On June 10, 2023, the Federal Police ceremoniously commissioned their fourth new patrol vessel of the “Potsdam” class, the BP 84, in Rostock-Warnemünde.

Following the christening of the first three new patrol vessels – BP 81 “POTSDAM”, BP 82 “BAMBERG” and BP 83 “BAD DÜBEN” – in 2018 and 2019, BP 84 was now christened, blessed, and officially commissioned at the Warnemünde Cruise Center under the name “NEUSTADT.”

As sponsor of the vessel, Federal Minister of the Interior and Community Nancy Faeser emphasized in her speech that the entire maritime domain has become more vulnerable, especially in the Baltic Sea due to its geographical location. “The Federal Police demonstrate presence at sea with all available forces and vessels. Everything that can float is out on the water – in the service of our country’s security!”, the Minister added.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Harald Fassmer, Managing Partner of the Fassmer shipyard; Mirko Spieckermann, Mayor of the City of Neustadt; and First Chief Police Commissioner Dirk Lange, commander of the crew taking over the new vessel.

The President of the Federal Police Headquarters, Dr. Dieter Romann, officially handed over the new patrol vessel to Horst Kriesamer, President of the Federal Police Directorate Bad Bramstedt, presenting him with the Federal Service Flag of BP 84 at the commissioning. He wished the “NEUSTADT” and her crew “always safe voyages and a hand’s breadth of water beneath the keel.”

The christening of the 86-meter-long vessel under the name “NEUSTADT” – the home port of the Federal Police Directorate’s maritime division – symbolizes the strong connection and appreciation between the Federal Police and the City of Neustadt in Holstein. This continues a long tradition, as the former Federal Border Guard boat BG 11 also carried the name “NEUSTADT.”

The changed security environment in Europe also shapes the Federal Police’s maritime responsibilities in the North and Baltic Seas. The Federal Police at sea are equipped with powerful resources, enabling them to act quickly and professionally in a wide range of complex operational scenarios. With the addition of the “NEUSTADT,” the Federal Police now operate a total of four modern patrol vessels of the Potsdam class, all equipped with flight decks that allow helicopters to take off and land. Working in close cooperation with the Federal Police’s GSG 9 unit and the Federal Police Air Group, these vessels are capable of responding effectively to complex maritime threat situations.