French Navy PLG light patrol vessel La Confiance in combined anti-drug training with US Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser. French Navy picture.
“The “La Confiance” PLG (Patrouilleur Léger Guyanais or French Guyana-based Light Patrol Vessel) is now on “Active Duty” and able to conduct operational missions following a ceremony held April 27th…”
It is the first of two small ships of a new class designed specifically for service in the French Atlantic EEZ in the Western Hemisphere. The size is a bit unusual.
They will replace two P400 class patrol craft currently based in French Guyana. The P400s are about the same size as the Webber class “Fast Response Cutters.”
The French do not have an ocean-going coast guard like ours, so their navy does many of the functions performed by the USCG. The new ships make an interesting comparison with the Webber class; I think they even look a bit alike. In many ways the PLG corresponds to what I suggested earlier as cutter X:
…taking the crew and equipment of a Webber class Fast Response Cutter (FRC) and putting them in a larger hull with more endurance and seakeeping, while accepting lower top speed than the FRC.
Comparing the “La Confiance” PLG to the FRCs:
- Displacement: PLG 700 tons; FRC 354 full load
- Crew: 24, same for both, PLG can also accomodate 14 people, special forces for example.
- Dimensions: PLG 60 m (197 ft) x 9.50 m (31.2 ft) x 3.2 m (10.5 ft); FRC 46.8 m (154 ft) x 8.11 m (26.6 ft) x 2.9 m (9.5 ft)
- Power: PLG 6,000 KW (8,046 HP), FRC 8,600 KW (11,600 HP)
- Speed: PLG 21, FRC 28
- Range: PLG 3,500 nmi at 12 knots, FRC 2,950 at 14 knots
- Endurance: PLG 12 days; FRC 5 days
- Boats: PLG two, FRC one
French Navy La Confiance PLG light patrol vessel arriving in Fort-de-France, Martinique. Picture: E.Mocquillon © Marine nationale
More from the builder here.
