On 12 May 2023, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBwFederal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support) the award of the contract for the purchase of the ocean-going tug “Rota Endurance” granted.

Quickly resorting to solutions that are available on the market and, if necessary, used in order to close capability gaps in a timely manner – this is also one of many new paths that the Bundeswehr is currently taking.

As a result of the award, the “Rota Endurance” within just six months, the first of two ocean-going tugs was procured for the Navy. The boats serve as a replacement for the more than 50-year-old tugboats “Wangerooge”, “Spiekeroog” and “Fehmarn”, whose repair is ruled out for economic reasons.

Before the new tug is available to the Navy, the previous shipowner still has to carry out short scheduled maintenance work. After its completion, the ship is expected to arrive in Kiel in July 2023. This is where the final inspection and briefing of the new crew will take place. In a final step, the Naval Arsenal At the Rostock site, military adjustments were still being made.

The tender for the procurement of the second ocean-going tug is also already in full swing.