Germany’s Federal Customs Administration has commissioned the naval systems division of Rheinmetall to carry out repair and maintenance work on four new LNG-powered customs vessels, the company announced on September 23.
The multi-year framework agreement covers maintenance, repairs, and emergency support during operational issues, alongside routine servicing across berths in Lubmin, Neustadt in Holstein, Wilhelmshaven, and Emden.
The service arrangement encompasses one 67-metre customs vessel and three 55-metre customs vessels. The three 55-metre aluminium crafts were built at the Peene-Werft shipyard at Rheinmetall’s Wolgast site and handed over to the customs authority last year.
These seagoing vessels are primarily tasked with controlling and monitoring cross-border goods traffic within Germany's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.
Rheinmetall said that work under the framework agreement will directly utilise shipyard knowledge and new-build expertise to conduct ongoing maintenance, repairs, and technical optimisation.
Tim Wagner, CEO of Rheinmetall's naval systems division commented, "Our aim is to support our customers as a reliable partner not only during the construction phase, but throughout the entire life cycle of their vessels."
