d’Entrecasteaux (BSAOM)

The d'Entrecasteaux is a French Navy multi-mission offshore patrol vessel, designated as a Bâtiment de Soutien et d'Assistance Métropolitain (BSAOM). It is designed for maritime surveillance, law enforcement, and support missions in France's exclusive economic zone and overseas territories.

Developed under the Bâtiment Multi-Mission (B2M) program initiated in 2013, this class was designed to replace aging BATRAL landing ships and P400 patrol vessels to maintain a cost-effective presence in France's overseas territories. Built by Kership, the lead ship d'Entrecasteaux was launched in 2015 and officially entered active service in 2016. Based in Nouméa, New Caledonia, the vessel has been frequently deployed for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations across the South Pacific, including response efforts following major tropical cyclones. Today, all four ships of the class remain fully operational, serving as vital sovereignty assets for maritime security and regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean.