The two new replenishment ships for the German Navy, designated locally as “Betriebsstoffversorger” are being built under the management of NVL Group in cooperation with MEYER Group.
“With the new fuel supply vessels, our Navy will finally have the modern equipment it needs to reliably fulfill its mission despite the growing demands of long-term operations on the high seas. I very much welcome the fact that northern German companies are making a decisive contribution to maintaining these key national technologies.”
Siemtje Moeller, Germany’s Parliamentary State Secretary for Defense
As a highlight of the ceremonial keel-laying, representatives of the client and those responsible for the project nailed brass plaques to a wooden board with coins between them. The wooden board was then hammered under the steel part. With this centuries-old tradition, the ship and crew are always wished a safe journey.
“Manufacturing milestones such as today’s keel laying are visible indicators of the progress of the construction process and, for us shipbuilders, always an emotional milestone in the construction of a new ship,” said Tim Wagner, CEO of NVL Group. “Already in the initial phase of this ship, it is very impressively shown that a complex military unit is being built here.“
The 173-meter-long 707-class naval units are being built, commissioned and tested at NEPTUN WERFT. As the prime contractor, NVL Group is responsible for project management, the naval-specific portions of the platform and deployment system, as well as extensive services to establish supply readiness. The procurement project was signed between the customer and industrial partners in mid-2021. The units, which are scheduled to be delivered from 2025, will replace the Rhön-class ships.
With a permanent crew of 42 and an additional embarkation contingent of 23, the oilers will take over the supply of fuel on the high seas, thus increasing the deployment time of naval vessels in the respective area of operations. The fleet tankers, with a displacement of 20,000 tons, will be able to refuel from both sides and thus two ships simultaneously.
Here are the pictures showing the design of the Type 707 oilers;
About Type 707 replenishment oilers
On July 17. 2019, the Bundeswehr Inspector General announced the procurement of the future Type 707 replenishment oilers for the German Navy. In 2018, Germany announced that the two existing Type 704 Rhön-class tankers “Rhön” and “Spessart” – that have been in service since 1977 – will be decommissioned in 2025.
The approved project on June 23. 2021, includes the design and construction of the new Tye 707. In addition, the services to be provided to achieve readiness for supply include initial spare parts requirements, special tools and training. Germany has dedicated two ships to NATO through 2040 to provide the capability to supply operating materials to allied navies as well.
Specifications compared: Type 704 (Rhön-class) / Future Type 707
| Length | 130 Meters | 170 Meters |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 19 Meters | 24 Meters |
| Draft | 8 Meters | 8 Meters |
| Speed | 16 Knots | 20 Knots |
| Displacement | 14.200 Tons | > 20.000 Tons |
| Fuel capacity | 11.500 Tons | 15.000 Tons |
| Container stations | 2 | 20 |
| Crew | 42 | 42 |
