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How did Richelieu help lay the foundations of the French navy?

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Full-length portrait of Cardinal Richelieu by Philippe de Champaigne, showing him in red clerical robes holding a red book, standing beside a balustrade with a draped curtain behind. — Cardinal Richelieu As both statesman and churchman, Cardinal Richelieu was the acknowledged architect of France's greatness in the 17th century. In 1640, when this full-length portrait was painted (likely by Philippe de Champaigne), he was embroiled in a dispute with the pope and other religious controversies along with many other consequences of expanding French power across Europe. He would die two years later, facing conspiracies against his life and suffering ill health.

Cardinal Richelieu played a pivotal role in establishing the foundations of the French navy to protect the nation's trading and colonial interests. His efforts included:

Procurement: He initiated the development of the fleet by purchasing ships from the Dutch.1
Expansion: Through his focus on maritime power, he successfully grew the fleet to 63 oceangoing vessels by 1642.2
Infrastructure and Trade: Beyond ship acquisition, he worked to develop shipping connections with the Baltic region and promoted overseas trading companies to support French colonial expansion in Canada, the West Indies, and Africa.12

While Richelieu is credited with laying these essential foundations, historians note that he had limited influence on the broader development of French seapower during his tenure. His naval initiatives were part of a wider strategy to centralize royal authority and project French influence abroad.12