Abeking & Rasmussen build a special ship together with Fassmer

Hydrographic vessel for Indonesia

Yachts or ferries, government and naval vessels: Abeking & Rasmussen. Photo: A&R

On 14 December, the keel was laid for the first joint project between ABEKING & RASMUSSEN and FASSMER, a 105m hydrographic vessel. After A&R recently successfully delivered two minehunting vessels to the Indonesian Navy, the shipyard was also commissioned to build the new hydrographic vessel in December last year. As the ship concept is based on a proven design by FASSMER, the project was handled jointly from the outset. While A&R, as general contractor, is responsible for the customer's requirements in terms of delivery, regional value-added shares and technology transfer, FASSMER is responsible for the design and manufacture of the vessel. The new vessel will be used for various research activities in the world's largest archipelago state. It is also suitable for strengthening SAR capabilities in Indonesian and international waters. The customer is the Indonesian Institute of Hydrography "Bantu Hidro-Oseanografi" (BHO). The ship is operated by the Indonesian Navy. Delivery is scheduled for December 2025. This is not the first time the two family-run shipyards have worked together as good neighbours, but it is the first time they have collaborated on such a large special ship. Should this be a basis for competitiveness on the international market? These traditional shipyards certainly have what it takes.

INS "Pulau Fani" and "Fanildo" - new minehunting boats for Indonesia. Photo: A&R

ABEKING & RASMUSSEN

The Lemwerder-based shipyard A&R has delivered more than 6,500 ships in its 115-year history.
The modern and compact shipyard with its halls up to 125 metres long is known on the world market for customised mega yachts and special ships for authorities and the navy. The German Navy in particular has been sailing for decades with products from A&R that were either built there or manufactured under licence - in the sixties and seventies minesweepers were built from wood, and since the end of the eighties boats have been built from non-magnetic steel. These concepts are in demand all over the world, and Turkey also operates boats of this type.

BP 81 "Potsdam" of the Coast Guard, built by Fassmer. Photo: bundespolizei.de

FASSMER

Founded in 1850, FASSMER is now in its fifth generation. The head office is located a few kilometres down the Weser in Berne. Fassmer is also a manufacturer of technologically sophisticated specialised vessels. Fassmer builds research and work vessels, offshore patrol boats, ferries and explorer yachts. Recently, offshore patrol vessels were built for the German Federal Police Sea, as were the new workboats for the Defence Technical Service (WTD) 71 in Eckernförde.

Typical Fassmer: tenders for cruise ships. Photo: Fassmer

The buildings for the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS) and cruise ship tenders are world-famous. The latter impress with their incredible passenger capacities. The Fassmer Group with its Maritime and Composite divisions has further sites in Poland, China, Taiwan and the USA with more than 2,000 employees worldwide.