Abeille Bourbon is a high seas emergency tow vessel (salvage tug), 80 metres (260 ft) long with a tractive power of 200 tonnes-force (2.0 MN), a crew of 12, designed by Norwegian naval architect Sigmund Borgundvåg.

She was christened by Bernadette Chirac on 13 April 2005 in the presence of sponsor Jacques de Chateauvieux.

She is chartered to the French government and can be called upon by the Maritime Prefect of Brest at any time.

She was commissioned to replace the older Abeille Flandre, which was reassigned to the French Mediterranean coast.

Tow vessels are traditionally named according to their activities around the ships they assist; in this case, like a bee around a flower.