PIRIOU has just recorded a new order from the Moroccan Royal Navy for a 72 m Hydro-Oceanographic Multi-Missions vessel (BHO2M) to be delivered by mid-2018.

This is the third contract awarded by the Moroccan Royal Navy (MRN) after the contract for a 50 m LCT (Landing Craft Tank) to be delivered next July and the contract for the overhaul of the OPV 64 ‘Rais Bargach’ presently under way in Concarneau, France.

The BHO2M is a last generation scientific vessel equipped with the systems matching the topographic studies answering the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standards. She was designed from the Multi-Missions vessel (B2M) under construction in Concarneau for the French Navy.

This contract is the outcome of the significant work of a tight team comprising:

• PIRIOU who ensures the vessel design, studies and building
• The SHOM (Navy Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department) for the scientific part of the vessel and the training of the technicians of the Hydrography, Oceanography and Cartography Division (DHOC) of the MRN
• KERSHIP for the expertise in military systems and contract management

Vincent FAUJOUR, PIRIOU General Manager, said: “We are very pleased and honored to build this second vessel for the Moroccan Royal Navy. Thanks in particular to a close and crucial collaboration with the SHOM, we have designed a performing vessel with all the qualities required to become the new reference in terms of hydro-oceanographic vessel. Following on from the expedition vessel YERSIN and the Polar Logistic Vessel PLV, PIRIOU thus confirms its ability to design and build very technical vessels with scientific or exploration purposes.”

The BHO2M is able to fulfill long lasting operations, mainly hydrographic and oceanographic missions such as the completion of topographic studies, data acquisition and process, scientific sampling and the related analyses. She is fitted with an appendix where the acoustic bases of the scientific equipment including the two multi-beam echo sounders are located.

As the most performing vessel of her generation as for acoustics, the BHO2M will be able to achieve these missions as well at high speed as in a rough sea.

The vessel will also be able to answer the operational requirements of the authorities regarding patrol, humanitarian assistance, Special Forces or divers deployment, search and rescue and environment protection.

PIRIOU NAVAL SERVICES is managing the complete overhaul of the ‘Rais Bargach’, 65 m deep sea patrol vessel built in 1995.

In July 2015, the MRN awarded to PIRIOU its first order for the building of a 50 m multipurpose barge which will be delivered in July 2016. The first crew will be trained to operate and maintain the vessel. This training will take place early in July in Concarneau.

Involved in shipbuilding, repair, naval engineering and services since 1965, PIRIOU specializes in producing medium sized vessels up to 120 m in length with high added value through a combination of high-performance engineering and a global network of industrial sites in Europe, Africa and Asia.

With more than 420 ships built and delivered worldwide, PIRIOU provides, on a global scale, bespoke solutions as well as a complete range of standardized or customized vessels that satisfy the requirements of international ship-owners, whether they be private or public, civilian or military.