Gowind OPV completes maiden deployment

The DCNS-owned Gowind offshore patrol vessel (OPV) L'Adroit has completed its first sea-going deployment under French Navy command, the shipbuilder announced on 6 July.

During the two-month mission in the Mediterranean Sea, the 87 m prototype vessel conducted a range of duties - including fisheries protection and maritime safety and security tasks - before returning to Toulon naval base on 29 June.

L'Adroit was commissioned into service on 19 March under a unique lease arrangement that will see the navy operate the vessel for three years at no charge.

Its maiden deployment included the policing of bluefin tuna fisheries under Operation 'Thon Rouge'. The OPV's crew inspected 22 fishing vessels, reported five violations of international regulations, and contributed to ensuring compliance with current fishing quotas.

DCNS said the taskings demonstrated some of the vessel's design and technological innovations, which include two stern ramps (able to launch high-speed boats in less than two minutes), a panoramic bridge with 360-degree outlook, a single enclosed mast and the Polaris mission system.

Gowind programme manager Marc Maynard said feedback from the ship's company was positive. "The design appears well suited to the emerging needs of client navies," he said.