MAURIC partners with Couach on the VGMAR Programme: 24 new patrol vessels for the Maritime Gendarmerie

Building on a first founding success with the award in late 2025 of the VGC 35-metre programme for the French Customs, MAURIC is proud to partner with Couach on the VGMAR programme. On 29 June 2026, the Direction Générale de l’Armement notified Couach of the contract for 24 coastal surveillance patrol vessels of 22 metres for the Maritime Gendarmerie. Delivery of the first unit is expected in 2029.

A tender process conducted with exacting standards by the DGA

MAURIC contributed its thorough knowledge of complex tender processes and its proven architectural mastery of semi-fast patrol vessel design. The naval architects drew on a portfolio of sea-proven hull forms developed through decades of dedicated programmes.

Couach, which operates an industrial facility unique in France for the construction of professional composite vessels, demonstrated its ability to optimise its production processes, combining high construction quality with cost optimisation. The complementary expertise in naval architecture from MAURIC and advanced composite industrialisation capabilities from Couach proved a decisive factor in the DGA selection.

Semi-planing hull forms designed for performance and fuel efficiency

MAURIC will leverage its expertise in semi-planning hull form design to optimise the VGMAR at their maximum speed of 22 knots as well as at intermediate transit speeds, reducing fuel consumption without sacrificing the seakeeping qualities essential for patrol missions in the best conditions of safety and crew comfort.

Versatile patrol vessels for metropolitan France and overseas territories

The vessels will displace a maximum of 50 tonnes and accommodate up to 10 persons, crew included. They will be fitted with a rapid intervention craft deployed from a stern well deck. Designed for versatile operations, the vessels will conduct maritime policing, counter-illicit trafficking, environmental protection, and search and rescue missions. The contract begins with a firm tranche of four vessels and will subsequently be completed through successive batches. Five of the 24 vessels are destined for overseas deployment in French Guiana, Mayotte and New Caledonia.

A confirmed partnership

This second collaboration with Couach, following the VGC 35-metre customs vessel programme, confirms the strength of a partnership built on complementary capabilities and a shared commitment to delivering high-performance patrol vessels to French state authorities. The VGMAR programme, which provides for the delivery of up to four vessels per year over a six-year period, will constitute the largest renewal of the Maritime Gendarmerie coastal fleet in over two decades.

photo courtesy MAURIC