The French Navy’s coastal harbour tug Luberon made a routine stopover at Port Hercules in Monaco from December 9 to December 12…
This marked the vessel’s first visit to the Principality, highlighting the strong bilateral ties between France and Monaco. The Luberon, a 36-meter-long and 12-meter-wide tugboat, is primarily assigned to assist the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle during port manoeuvres.
Equipped with a high-resistance steel towing cable, the tug ensures safe entry and exit for the massive carrier in Toulon, where it is usually based. The vessel has a twin, the Estérel, also stationed in Toulon for similar duties.
This visit provided the Luberon’s 11-member crew with a valuable opportunity to engage with Monegasque authorities and the French Ambassador. These exchanges, though informal, serve as an important gesture of collaboration and mutual respect. The stopover underscores the maritime cooperation rooted in longstanding agreements between the two nations.
While this is not an official mission, the crew views such visits as integral to naval life. These stopovers foster camaraderie among crew members and strengthen the cohesion vital for their operations. Captain of the Luberon expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and the chance to connect with Monaco’s leadership.
This is the second French Navy visit to Monaco this year, showcasing the enduring friendship between the Principality and France. The Luberon returned to Toulon on December 12, following its productive and meaningful stay in Monaco.
Image: Monaco Info
