[2] She is fitted with electric propulsion and a hydrographic winch that allows it to perform oceanographic work.

Laid down on 11 June 1985 and launched on 15 November 1986, the hydrographic vessel Lapérouse entered into service on 20 April 1988.

The ship was laid down on 11 June 1985 by DCN Lorient, launched on 15 November 1985, and commissioned by the French Navy as Lapérouse A791 on 20 April 1988.

Her main mission is scientific, but being a naval ship, she is also capable of handling piracy, terrorism, evacuating French citizens is case of natural or political crisis, or rescuing seamen in distress.

The hull and the superstructures are painted white, as is the case for all scientific ships of the French Navy.