The Tourville first sea trial

15 months after the Duguay-Trouin, the SSN Tourville began its sea testing campaign. On July 12, 2024, it made surface sea trials, quickly followed by a static dive. The testing campaign is taking place over several months in the English Channel and the Atlantic, with staff from TechnicAtome and Naval Group under the command of the French Navy.

The sea testing campaign follows the initial startup of the nuclear power plant and the nuclear tests at dock conducted by TechnicAtome. It will validate the performance of the power plant and propulsion system up to full power. It will also verify that the vessel’s systems (navigation, diving, combat systems, etc.) are fully operational prior to the submarine’s scheduled delivery to the French Navy.
The Tourville is the third SSN submarine in the Barracuda class, following the Suffren and the Duguay-Trouin, which entered active service in June 2022 and April 2024, respectively.