Loire (BSAM)

The Loire class, also known as the Bâtiment de soutien et d'assistance métropolitain (BSAM), is a class of offshore support and assistance vessels in service with the French Navy. These ships are designed to perform a wide range of support missions, including search and rescue, towing, pollution control, and logistics support for naval forces.

The program was initiated to replace older French Navy support tugs and supply vessels. A contract for four ships was awarded to Kership, a joint venture between Piriou and Naval Group, with construction taking place in Concarneau. The lead ship, Loire, entered active service in July 2018, and all four vessels of the class were fully operational by 2019, based in Brest and Toulon.