The third and final multi-purpose ship shell of a series of newbuilds for the German government has set course for the Abeking & Rasmussen shipyard from Lithuania.
At the Western Baltija Shipbuilding shipyard in Klaipeda in Lithuania, a subcontractor of the Abeking & Rasmussen shipyard commissioned with the construction of three new multi-purpose vessels, a total of three shells were built for the new multi-purpose vessels of the German government.
After the “Scharhörn” and the “Mellum”, the “Neuwerk” will complete the new generation of multi-purpose vessels and replace the existing multi-purpose vessel of the same name after delivery in Cuxhaven.
The new “Neuwerk” has now been transferred from the shipyard to the Lower Weser. The interior work and installation of the special equipment is now taking place in Lemwerder.
A few days ago, the tug and tow with the tug “Grossnordsee” set off for the transfer across the Baltic Sea. Although the engines are already on board the “Neuwerk”, the completed hull cannot yet sail under its own power. After passing through the Kiel Canal on Tuesday, the tug and tow reached the Outer Weser on Wednesday.
The 105 m long and 20 m wide multi-purpose vessels will replace their namesake predecessors. With more powerful technology, greater environmental friendliness and improved comfort, they will set new standards for safety and efficiency on the German seas. The first ship, the “Scharhörn”, is due to be handed over at the end of 2025. The other newbuilds “Mellum” and “Neuwerk” will then be handed over to the WSV in late summer 2026 and spring 2027 and, following a trial phase, will take on maritime emergency response tasks in the North Sea and Baltic Sea – whether as a maritime police vessel, buoy layer or lifesaver.
The ships will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). With a bollard pull (tractive force) of 145 tons, they are significantly stronger than their predecessors and can therefore also tow larger damaged vessels. A landing pad for helicopters enables the rapid and flexible reception of emergency personnel and material. The ships also have state-of-the-art equipment for oil and fire-fighting and for treating casualties.
The new multi-purpose vessels are equipped with two Azipod drives, a pump jet and a bow thruster. The Azipod drives enable flexible steering in all directions. The pumpjet is a special jet propulsion system that allows the ship to be maneuvered precisely. The system is supplemented by the bow thruster, which facilitates navigation in particular. (CE)
