The German Sea Rescue Service (DGzRS) decided to have a new rescue vessel in 2000. It took three years to bring this new project to fruition, and 27-knot HERMANN MARWEDE was delivered in 2003. With a length of 45.6m, a beam of 10.6m and displacement of 400 tonnes, this new rescue cruiser is the largest in DGzRS fleet. There are two engine rooms, with two 2040kW MTU 12V 4000 M90 wing engines in the forward compartment and a 2720kW 16V 4000 M90 centreline diesel aft. Each of the three engines drives a fixed pitch propeller through Reintjes gearing.
In November 2000, Fassmer won the contract to build this rescue vessel. The hull shape was optimized at the Hamburg Ship Model Basin. The aluminium hull was designed and built in Poland in Gdań sk-based Aluship Technology.
Even under extremely heavy seas, the vessel can maintain a speed of up to 25 knots. The equipment on board includes a powerful towing winch and a towing hook plus a 20-tonne deck crane. In the stern of the hull, there is a 9.5m 18-knot daughter boat built by Luerssen. This daughter boat is located in a slipway, which is unfolded when the hinged stern is lowered. Rescue zones have been established on each side of the vessel. A small Avon RIB is also installed.
Extensive Fi-Fi systems are installed with twin remote-controlled monitors behind the wheelhouse. They have a 41,667-litre/minute capacity and there is a third monitor on the wheelhouse top. The main fire-fighting pump is driven from one of the main engines. There is a helicopter deck at the stern above the daughter boat installation. The hull is protected by a special polyurethane fender system developed by Fassmer. There is accommodation for a crew of eight in single cabins. On the main deck, there is a large survivor space that can also be used for extra special staff or for training. This deck also has the fully-fitted hospital equipped with an operating theatre.
