On 8 August 2023, the keel laying ceremony for the first of two new naval supply vessels (MBV) took place at the Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock, which is part of the Meyer Group. Both ships are being built under the leadership of the NVL Group in co-operation with the Meyer Group. With the participation of the Parliamentary State Secretary in the BMVg, Siemtje Möller, the shipbuilders laid the keel laying plate between the keel block beam and the section.
The German Navy urgently needs to replace its two fuel transporters "Rhön" and "Spessart" (single-hull tankers) in order to maintain the ability to supply naval units with fuel for their worldwide missions and to close a capability gap. For over 46 years, they have proven their worth as a "refuelling station at sea" according to the motto "Where the fleet goes, the tanker goes". They are not only deployed nationally, but also in NATO formations and EU missions. They regularly take part in NATO manoeuvres and multinational exercises/manoeuvres. The fuel transporters have become a highly coveted and sought-after resource, especially in international formations and missions.
Keel laying of the first naval fuel supply vessel, graphic: NVL
According to the MARPOL Convention (International Convention for the Prevention of Maritime Pollution from Ships) of1973, single-hull tankers should have been decommissioned by 2015 at the latest. However, their operation was made possible beyond 2015 until 2024, as the MARPOL Convention provides for special authorisation for warships. NATO's maritime environmental protection regulations also allow single-hull tankers from NATO navies to continue operating in compliance with MARPOL regulations. However, it is urgently necessary to replace the two single-hull tankers with new vessels, as the ships, which are over 48 years old, have become increasingly susceptible to repairs in recent years. The "Spessart" may be decommissioned as early as the end of 2023.
The future Class 707 double-hull tankers differ significantly from their Class 704 predecessors in terms of capability and performance. They are not standard tankers, but modern military fuel supply vessels with military components and requirements. With a length of 173 m, they displace approx. 20,000 tonnes, reach a speed of over 18 knots and have a cargo capacity of approx. 12,700 tonnes of aviation and diesel fuel. The civilian crew consists of approx. 42 persons with an additional embarkation contingent of 23 persons. With their double hull, they comply with international standards. They have a flight deck for helicopters of various types (refuelling), are NBC-safe in accordance with NATO specifications, have berths for 20 containers on the upper deck with corresponding power supply, loading cranes and stowage capacities. The sea endurance should be at least 30 days without resupply. According to the plans, the new ships are to be delivered in 2025 or 2026 and then assigned to the troop squadron in Wilhelmshaven.
Text: Dieter Stockfisch
Photo/graphic: NVL
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