In 2009, the Piriou shipyard delivered Franche Terre to SAPMER, first of a series of three -40°C deep-freeze tuna purse seiners for tuna fishing in the Indian Ocean with a Diesel Electric propulsion system.
The 90-meter long ship is equipped with 4 LSA 53 M9 alternators 1875kVA - 690V - 1000rpm, driven by Wärtsilä engines. The alternators provide all the energy needed to operate the ship (hydraulic, -40°C freezing holds, propulsion, lighting, various auxiliaries, etc.)