France's Merre Shipyard has launched a new dive support boat slated for the French Navy.
Yucca belongs to the eight-strong Ophrys-class, will replace nine older dive support boats in French Navy service. The Ophrys-class boats will be used to support dive operations, primarily dive missions that are focused on the detection and disposal of sea mines.
Upon completion, Yucca will have a length of 26.5 metres, a beam of seven metres, a draught of 1.7 metres, and a displacement of 105 tonnes at full load. Accommodation will be available for a standard crew of six plus up to 30 divers.
Aluminium was used for the vessel's construction due to its non-magnetic properties, as other hull materials such as steel would pose a greater risk of causing mines to detonate prematurely.
Two diesel engines that each produce 440 kW will deliver a maximum speed of 13 knots and a range of 250 nautical miles to allow the vessel to operate further offshore.
Once the vessel reaches an area where there are suspected mines, it will switch to electric motors for low-speed navigation to allow it to remain on station for extended periods.