A French Navy offshore support and assistance vessel which was commissioned into service earlier this year visited Waterford City over the weekend, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The impressive Loire class or Metropolitan Support and Assistance Building (BSAM) Rhône entered service in January. This call to the 'Crystal City' was a maiden first to Ireland as the 70m newbuild berthed on the Suir at the Frank Cassin Wharf.

This part of the port on the Co. Kilkenny side was where Bell Lines lo-lo terminal was located before shifting downriver to Belview, the current main terminal of the Port of Waterford.

BSAM Rhône entered service in January as the second of pair following leadship BSAM Loire that form part of the unarmed support ships serving the French Navy. The newbuild built in Brittany at the Piriou shipyards of Concarneau was developed in a programme named the Kership. The joint venture was created in 2013 by Piriou (55%) and DCNS (45%).

The newbuild which has a displacement of 2960 tons has a propulsion system derived from two diesel engines that delivers a speed of 14 knots. A crew consists of 17 sailors in addition to an option for 12 divers.

This morning the naval visitor is scheduled to depart the Suir.