The German Navy's Type 404 tender FGS Donau (A 516), one of six Elbe-class resupply and support vessels scheduled to be replaced by 2035. (G&M Gyssels)
German companies Fassmer and Abeking & Rasmussen (A&R) are to team up to pursue an upcoming German Navy programme for new MUsE (Mittlere Unterstüzungseinheit schwimmende Einheiten) support ships, the companies announced at the Euronaval 2024 exhibition, held in Paris from 4 to 7 November.
The MUsE is a multi-purpose support ship, which will replace the six Elbe-class Type 404 tenders commissioned in 1993/94 by the 2035 timeframe.
A final requirement document is pending; however, the navy's intention outlined in the Zielvorstellung Marine 2035+ future capability plan includes logistic and operational support capability, as well as surveillance capability.
Capabilities are further expected to encompass command, deployment of unmanned systems, medical evacuation, and embarkation of forces. With the selection of the Boeing CH-47 Chinook by the German armed forces to succeed the CH-53 fleet, one driver is also likely to be the flight deck size.
According to Fassmer and A&R, this partnership will benefit from the experience of a successful teaming arrangement for a 105 m oceanographic vessel for the Indonesian Navy, which has recently seen transfer of the hull from Indonesia to Germany for outfitting and completion.
The companies also point to their combined experience building naval and governmental vessels, which include offshore patrol vessels, mine-countermeasuresvessels, and multi-purpose ships for the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure.
For more information on this and other developing German navy projects, please seeIndonesian shipyard launches 105 m hydrographic ship for navy , Decision on German Type 127 frigate expected in early 2025 , NVL and tkMS create joint venture , and
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