As a reaction to the escalating migrant crisis in European waters and increased scrutiny on rescue operations, SOS Méditerranée, a non-profit organization, seeks support for a technologically advanced vessel. Set to revolutionize safety at sea, this charity in association with the French firm VPLP Design unveiled their futuristic design in front of the prestigious Pompidou Center in Paris.
Blending Innovation and Humanity
From October 17 to 22, the public could access a virtual tour of this extraordinary catamaran – a life-saving fusion of advanced marine capabilities and a philanthropic approach. The impetus for the creation of this vessel – Navire Avenir – was the harrowing experience of migrants crossing the Mediterranean on makeshift boats. With facilities vastly superior to the array of old and repurposed ships currently patrolling the Mediterranean, the Navire Avenir aims to provide quality care, attention, and camaraderie to the distressed occupants of these far too often overcrowded vessels.
A Vessel Crafted with Expertise and Empathy
Claimed to be Europe’s first purpose-built high-sea rescue ship, the Navire Avenir is a collaboration of experts from numerous fields, including survivors, engineers, naval architects, caregivers, cooks, and lawyers. As noted by Sébastien Thiéry, action coordinator for the non-profit organization PEROU, “It’s astounding that suitable tools for ‘mass rescue’ have not been developed given current and anticipated migration trends.” The Navire Avenir aims to remedy that.
The Future-Ready Catamaran
Extending 226 feet, the dual-mast catamaran will feature two sails, and an electric motor, and host nearly 4000 square feet of photovoltaic panels to harness solar power. The operational forecast for this game-changer ship starts in 2025, with deployments planned in international waters off the coast of Libya and other hotspots. The catamaran boasts impressive features like a helicopter pad, surveillance aircraft, satellite search devices, four semi-rigid rescue boats, and two ramps at the stern for efficient launch during hostile weather.
A Haven for Migrants at Sea
The vessel is a humane haven on the high seas, offering 372 people accommodation, including 52 sanitary facilities, and 38 showers. The shelter showcases a dedicated and air-conditioned hospital, bunks for its occupants, with an additional 80 places on deck. The ship’s crew strength is expected to be around 36.
The non-profit organization is working proactively on raising funds needed for the vessel’s construction, which is yet to be commissioned.
A Timely Solution Amid an Escalating Crisis
The unveiling of the Navire Avenir coincides with an era wherein European authorities are increasing the pressure on rescue operations whilst migration attempts across the Mediterranean are surging. According to the International Organization for Migration, fatalities along the Central Mediterranean route reached their highest level since 2017, accounting for more than 75 percent of the casualties in the whole of the Mediterranean in the last decade. In the quest to prevent such tragic losses, this innovative vessel could act as a beacon of hope.
