Built as a supply vessel by the Brest Naval Dockyard for the French Navy.
08 May 1979 keel laid down.
01 June 1893 launched under the name VAR (A608) one of the Durance class. Four sisters.
Displacement, 7.800 light, 17.900 ton full load. Dim. 157.20 x 21.20 x 8.65m. (draught) maximum 10.80m. Length bpp 149.0m.
Two SEMT-Pielstick diesels, 20.000hp., speed 19 knots by full load. Twin pitch-propellers.
Range by 15 knots, 9.000 mile.
Armament 1 – 40mm AA gun, 4 MG of 12.7mm. 3 – Simbad.
Can carry 7.500 tons fuel, 1.500 tons diesel fuel, 500 ton JP-5. 300 ton distilled water, 9.000 meals. 150 ton ammunition, and spare parts 50 ton.
Fitted out with 2 LCVP, 2 high-speed motorboats of 9 and 6m. 2 Zodiacs. Two helicopters.
Crew 170, and berths for 70 other.
29 January 1983 commissioned.
She is fitted out with 4 side stations for transfer of fuel and water, and she can supply simultaneously 3 vessels, one on each side and one astern.
Also helicopters are used to transfer supplies from the VAR to other warships.
2008 still in service.
Source: Log Book and some web-sites.