VESSEL REVIEW | Rugen – LNG-fuelled patrol boat joins German customs enforcement fleet

The German Federal Customs Service (Bundeszollverwaltung) recently began operating a new multi-purpose vessel.

Built by local shipyard Fassmer, the vessel has been named Rügen after an island in the Baltic Sea. It is the largest vessel in the current active Bundeszollverwaltung fleet with a length of 67 metres (220 feet) and a beam of 12.7 metres (41.7 feet). A draught of 2.85 metres (9.35 feet) enables the vessel to access shallow waters in inland and near-shore areas.

Multiple propulsion modes available to suit a range of operational requirements

The propulsion system consists of four MTU 1,492kW (2,000hp) main engines, two MTU generators, and electric motors. The main engines run on LNG and drive two controllable-pitch propellers.

The vessel can be operated in different modes as required: gas-electric, purely gas-mechanical, and booster mode. When in booster mode, all four main engines and the electric motors can propel the vessel to speeds of up to 23 knots.

The liveaboard accommodation has been outfitted to ensure comfort for the 14-strong crew during extended periods out at sea.

Deck space is available at the stern for the housing, launch, and recovery of small response boats, which will also be built by Fassmer. Also fitted on the aft deck are an MKG knuckle boom crane and a Global Davit boat launch system.

Multi-role coastal platform

Rügen replaces a Bundeszollverwaltung vessel of the same name that was originally built over 30 years ago. It is homeported in Lubmin in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Other missions to be undertaken by the new boat include maritime border protection, search and rescue (SAR), and environmental protection. Its area of operations will encompass Germany’s maritime border with Poland and the portions of the North and Baltic Seas that fall within the German continental shelf.