VESSEL REVIEW | BC Corse – Hybrid buoy tender for French Mediterranean waters

Merre Shipyard in France has handed over a new coastal buoy tender to local operator Armement des Phares et Balises.

Designed by compatriot naval architecture firm Frederic Neuman, BC Corse was built to replace the operator’s earlier, larger buoy tender, which was heavily damaged in a grounding mishap in late 2020.

The newbuild has a length of 26.6 metres, a beam of 8.5 metres, a displacement of approximately 200 tonnes at full load, and a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system that consists of two Volvo Penta D16 engines, two controllable-pitch propellers, two electric motors, and a 150kWh lithium-ion battery. The vessel can sail up to one hour at a speed of five knots, allowing it to be used in port waters with strict emissions regulations.

Particulate filters are fitted to help reduce emissions when the diesel engines are in operation. Also fitted are side thrusters, a dynamic positioning system, and solar panels to shoulder some of the electrical supply.

The vessel is equipped with a large working deck at the stern, a crane with a maximum lifting capacity of 35 tonnes, and a winch and two capstans for buoy handling duties. The liveaboard accommodation spaces will permit sustained operations lasting several days, allowing the crew to adequately service the many aids to navigation within their area of responsibility.

BC Corse will be operated in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea from its homeport of Ajaccio on the island of Corsica.