On September 18, 2025, the SOCARENAM-MAURIC consortium held the steel-cutting ceremony for the New Generation Maritime Affairs Patrol Vessel (PAM) equipped with wind-assisted propulsion.
Measuring 53.70 meters in length, the vessel incorporates a steel hull paired with an aluminium superstructure for optimal structural performance. Its propulsion system adopts a diesel-electric hybrid configuration integrated with wind-assisted technology: this setup enables a maximum speed of 17 knots at 85% Maximum Continuous Rating (MCR), along with an electric cruising speed of 10 knots. At a cruising speed of 12 knots, the vessel achieves an endurance of 3,600 nautical miles.
Additionally, the vessel is equipped with two 6.50-meter semi-rigid boats, which can reach a top speed of 35 knots to support rapid response and interception tasks. With a design tailored primarily for operations in the Bay of Biscay—while also boasting offshore capability to support extended missions—the vessel features a crew capacity of 16 personnel, plus dedicated space for 4 Special Forces members. It offers an operational autonomy of 12 days and an annual at-sea operational availability of up to 200 days.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) optimisation of the bulbous bow has refined the hull’s hydrodynamic performance. These CFD studies have optimised resistance through the water and defined the vessel’s active trim control system underway, confirming a hybrid cruising speed of 10 knots and maximum speed exceeding 18 knots. This configuration ensures the energy efficiency sought for this vessel with reduced environmental footprint.
MAURIC’s team of naval architects and marine engineers has completed the detailed arrangement study of the vessel, including an optimisation loop for optimal sail positioning. This phase also enabled the finalisation of active and passive stabilisation systems development, through seakeeping calculations carried out to optimise the anti-roll tank with free surface effects and active fin stabilisers.