D'Entrecasteaux-class (B2M)

The D'Entrecasteaux class, designated as Bâtiment multi-mission (B2M) by the French Navy, is a class of oceanic patrol ships designed for sovereignty, law enforcement, and logistics missions in French overseas territories. The class replaces the BATRAL-class landing ships and the patrol vessel Albatros. Studies for the replacement class began in March 2006 under the Service des Programmes Navals. While initially conceptualized as amphibious vessels capable of carrying larger forces, the final design shifted to a platform supply and anchor handling concept. In October 2013, the French Ministry of Defence awarded the contract to Kership, a joint venture between Piriou and DCNS. The procurement was funded solely by the Ministry of Defence. While three units were initially planned, a fourth was ordered in 2015 to cover the Mozambique Channel. The lead vessel, D'Entrecasteaux, was delivered in March 2016.

The hulls were constructed in Poland, with design and outfitting completed by Piriou in Concarneau, while DCNS integrated the military systems. The design is built to civilian standards and is optimized for low-intensity, high-endurance missions. The vessels are designed to operate for 30 days without resupply and achieve high annual sea availability. For transport and power projection, the ships can accommodate a 20-man joint force—including military, Gendarmerie, or police personnel—along with two vehicles and equipment. Onboard equipment includes an eight-meter boat, rigid-hulled inflatable boats, and accommodations for a medical team. For maritime assistance and logistics, the vessels feature firefighting systems, towing capabilities, and a deck crane for the autonomous loading and unloading of standard shipping containers.

In July 2021, D'Entrecasteaux was severely damaged by a fire. To cover the resulting patrol gap in New Caledonia, the sister ship Bougainville redeployed from Tahiti until D'Entrecasteaux completed repairs and returned to service in May 2022. From January to March 2024, Champlain conducted a patrol in the Scattered Islands, resulting in the seizure of methamphetamine from a smuggling vessel. In July 2026, Bougainville completed a replenishment-at-sea exercise in the Pacific with the POM-class patrol boat Teriieroo A Teriierooiterai.