German customs service orders LNG-fuelled vessel

Germany’s Federal Customs Service (Bundeszollverwaltung) has placed an order for a new multi-purpose vessel to be built by local shipyard Fassmer.

The vessel will be named Rugen after an island in the Baltic Sea. Once completed, it will have a length of 67 metres, making it the largest in the Bundeszollverwaltung fleet.

The propulsion system will include four MTU 7,500kW main engines that will run on LNG as well as MTU auxiliary engines. This arrangement will deliver a maximum speed in excess of 23 knots.

Liveaboard accommodations will be outfitted to ensure crew comfort during extended periods out at sea.

Deck space will be available the stern for the housing, launch, and recovery of small response boats, which will also be built by Fassmer.

Delivery of the new multi-purpose vessel is scheduled for the end of this year.