LSS - LOGISTIC SUPPORT SHIP
OCCAR manages the Logistic Support Ship (LSS) Programme for Italy and France. The LSS Programme comprises the Development and Production of six ships, along with their In Service Support.
LSSs are modern interoperable double-hull support ships designed to abide by current environment regulation, to replace ageing Naval tankers fleet. The ships have been designed from the outset with enhanced “dual use” support capacities and capabilities for:
- military operations (up to large Carrier Air Groups) and
- civilian crisis response operations.
LSS is capable of supporting multiple missions, ranging from naval Joint Task Force to HQ afloat operations, providing medical support and transporting naval and aviation fuel, fresh water, ammunitions, lubricating oil, food, spare parts and 20 ft ISO containers.
LSS will offer an extraordinary capacity and a high degree of flexibility with minimal support costs.
The units are fully interoperable with NATO and EU partners and will be more versatile than the present generation of logistic ships, being also able to embark ISO 20 foot containers.
History of the LSS Programme:
- In 2015, the LSS Programme was integrated into OCCAR and the contract for Italy became effective.
- In June 2016, Brazil obtained Observer status in the Programme.
- With the amendment of the Programme Management Authorisation (PMA) in July 2017, France commenced the integration process into the LSS Programme. The related Memorandum of Understanding between France and Italy was signed in July 2018 and the resulting Implementing Arrangement in October 2018.
- France fully joined the Programme in January 2019 with the signature of the ProgD Amendment, and the French Global Contract for four Logistic Support Ships signed by OCCAR on 30 January 2019.
- The LSS PD opened offices in the OCCAR Paris site on 15th February 2019, followed on 3rd June 2019 for the satellite offices in Saint-Nazaire, nestled in the "Chantiers de l'Atlantique" shipyard of Saint-Nazaire, France.
- On 19 December 2022, the LSS PD Castellammare di Stabia satellite was inaugurated by the OCCAR Director, Mr. Matteo Bisceglia. These new premises are directly located in the Fincantieri shipyard where the 2nd Italian LSS is currently under production.
For Italy
- The First of Class, ITS 'Vulcano', was delivered to the Italian Navy on 12 March 2021 and is currently under temporary support.
- The second ship, LSS “Atlante”, was delivered to the Italian Navy on 19 December 2025 and is currently under warranty by 2026.
For France
- The First of Class, LSS “Jacques Chevallier”, was delivered on 13 July 2023 and is currently under temporary support.
- The second ship, LSS “Jacques Stosskopf” has been delivered on 26 November 2025 and is currently under warranty by 2026.
Over the horizon and beyond:
- The 3rd LSS option is being considered by Italy.
- For France, the third LSS “Emile Bertin” will be delivered mid 2027 and the fourth, LSS “Gustave Zédé”, is scheduled to be delivered mid 2032.
In total, the successful LSS cooperation between two major European Navy key-players, under the umbrella of OCCAR, will lead the way to a strong fleet of 6 LSSs to be operated, 4 for France, and 2 for Italy, with a third one for Italy as an option.
OCCAR delivers.
Credits @ Chantiers de l'Atlantique
LSS Programee Division Team.
The LSS Programme Division Team Italy - Copyright © OCCAR
The LSS Programme Division Team France - Copyright © OCCAR
LSS Participating States
LSS Observer
