New multi-purpose vessel SCHARHÖRN on its way to its home port of Kiel

After a successful first sea trial, the newly built multi-purpose vessel "Scharhörn" arrived at its berth at the Ostuferhafen harbour in Kiel during the night from Wednesday to Thursday through the Kiel Canal. During the shipyard trial run in the late morning, the "Scharhörn" then met up with the "Arkona", which belongs to the same authority.

Harald Janssen, project manager for newbuildings of multi-purpose vessels at the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV): "The sea trial on the Weser, during which the "Scharhörn" - supported by tugs - travelled under its own propulsion for the first time, was a highlight for us. The interaction of all the technical systems also worked excellently and is a crucial prerequisite for the next steps until the ship is put into service."

The shipyard Abeking & Rasmussen in Lemwerder built the vessel on behalf of the WSV. It is the first of three multi-purpose vessels: The "Scharhörn", the "Mellum" and the "Neuwerk" are to replace the older and less powerful units of the same name built in 1974, 1984 and 1988. The cost of the project: around 680 million euros. The construction of the hulls and some of the fittings for all three units was carried out in Lithuania. The multi-purpose vessels will be kept for the North Sea and Baltic Sea, but are also suitable for the Atlantic. All final outfitting work was recently carried out at the Fassmer shipyard in Berne. In addition to the final installation and testing of all technical equipment in the operating areas, this also includes the complete interior outfitting of the ship, including the medical treatment room, the galley, the mess and the fitness room. The second ship, the "Mellum", is expected to be completed in mid-2026 and then the "Neuwerk" in 2027.

After arriving in Kiel, the "Scharhörn" is docked for inspection of the underwater hull and for remaining work. In addition, a trial voyage to Norway is scheduled, during which the bollard pull with a tensile force of 145 tonnes is tested. During further test voyages, the numerous systems such as the powerful sonar system, the fire extinguishing equipment, the oil and chemical spill response systems and the on-board crane will undergo acceptance tests. In the second quarter of the new year, the "Scharhörn" will then be christened in Kiel and commissioned by the Baltic Sea Waterways and Shipping Office.

There is space on board for a crew of 17 plus over 30 other people, e.g. specially trained firefighting personnel. The new units have helicopter decks to transport and deploy personnel and equipment for specialised tasks such as firefighting, casualty care or oil spill response. The ships are equipped with high-tech equipment and specialised experts and can also tow damaged ships with a bollard pull of 145 tonnes. A special feature is the use of LNG as fuel. The tank required for this is large and the entire system is encapsulated in order to be able to operate safely even when working on burning ships. It is also possible to use synthetic methane as a fuel in the future. The ships can reach speeds of up to 15 knots.

The multi-purpose vessels are a central component of maritime emergency preparedness in the North Sea and Baltic Sea and form the backbone of accident prevention and response. In addition, the WSV has chartered three emergency tugs and has further capacities available for oil recovery. Incidents involving units of the so-called Russian shadow fleet show the necessity of these measures. In future, the new vessels will serve as the WSV's "floating command centres" in the event of emergencies at sea.

Text: WSV / Editorial office

Photos: Michael Nitz @naval-press-service