Berne, November 9, 2023 – On July 22, 2021, Fassmer was awarded the contract to build and deliver two 51.7-meter survey vessels for the Bundeswehr’s Technical Center for Ships and Naval Weapons, Maritime Technology and Research (WTD 71). Today, the christening of the second vessel took place at the Fassmer shipyard pier in Berne/Motzen.

In autumn weather, Maren Jonas, wife of Gustav Otto Jonas, mayor of the municipality of Schwedeneck, christened the ship in front of around 30 invited guests, giving it the name Stollergrund. The name refers to a shoal in the Kiel Fjord.

The client for the new vessel (Measuring Vessel Coastal Trials, SVK) is the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). Built to civilian shipbuilding standards while incorporating the specific requirements of naval testing and research, the vessel combines robust construction with specialized capabilities.

Fassmer’s innovative multipurpose design allows for simple, flexible, and customized adaptation of equipment and facilities, ensuring that the ship can be tailored precisely to a wide range of missions.

Part of a modernized research fleet

As the Bundeswehr’s technical authority for ships, naval weapons, and maritime technology and research, WTD 71 operates a fleet of nine specialized vessels. The procurement of the two SVK measuring vessels will replace the multipurpose boats Breitgrund and Mittelgrund (Class 745) after 32 years of service, as well as the torpedo trials vessel Wilhelm Pullwer (Class 741) after 55 years.

The new Stollergrund, with Eckernförde as its home port, will support a variety of missions including torpedo recovery during trials, escorting submarines in shallow-water testing, deployment of autonomous underwater vehicles, and diver operations for naval equipment testing and coastal research projects.

Technical Data

• Length overall: 51.7 m
• Beam: 10.2 m
• Draft: 3.65 m
• Top speed: 13 knots at sea state 4
• Propulsion: Two Wärtsilä engines, 1,580 kW each
• Drive system: Diesel-electric propulsion
• Special features: DP2 capability, large free working deck, moon pool, offshore crane, stern A-frame
• Accommodation: Up to 23 persons