Before she was replaced by Abeille Bourbon, she was based at Brest, where she assisted maritime traffic off the coast of Brittany.

French rescue tugs on government contracts operate under the authority of a préfet maritime.

When the vessel is not required for government service, its operator can request the préfet to release it to perform private salvage and rescue missions.

[clarification needed] Following her salvage role in the sinkings of the Erika and the Ievoli Sun, the Abeille Flandre gained recognition and public popularity in France.

The Abeille Flandre's livery includes the angled blue-white-red stripes of a French ship in public service.