The BSAM Loire, a metropolitan support and assistance vessel of the French Navy, made a three-day stopover in Monaco, from March 25th…
The visit offered the public and dignitaries, including His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, a rare opportunity to step aboard the versatile ship. Measuring 70 metres in length and displacing 3,000 tonnes, the Loire plays a key role in France’s maritime operations, spending an average of 200 days a year at sea.
Designed for multi-mission use, the BSAM Loire is often described as the “Swiss Army knife” of the French Navy. With a crew of 24 sailors rotating in two shifts to maintain high operational readiness, the ship’s primary role includes supporting naval units such as submarines and assisting vessels in distress. It is also capable of towing large-scale ships—including aircraft carriers and merchant vessels—thanks to its powerful engines producing 7,000 horsepower.
While the Loire has global reach, its main mission is regional. As a key component of France’s maritime presence in the Mediterranean, it serves as an operational extension of the maritime prefecture (Premar), patrolling the coastal stretch from Menton to Perpignan. The ship is also equipped with a large rear deck and powerful crane, enabling it to transport and deploy a variety of equipment. During its time in Monaco, it showcased some of the innovative materials and gear it can carry and operate at sea.
Notably, the BSAM Loire was the first French Navy ship to use the mobile jetty at the port of Gaza for offloading freight—a testament to its agility and logistical capabilities. Its visit to Monaco underlines the enduring ties between the Principality and the French Navy, and offered a glimpse into the strategic role of naval operations in maintaining maritime security.
Image: Monaco Info
