The German Navy (Deutsche Marine) has successfully addressed the urgent need for enhanced assets to support salvage operations for damaged ships on the high seas. A groundbreaking approach has resulted in the rapid acquisition of the ocean-going tug “Rügen,” which now stands ready in the port of Kiel merely six months after the initial call for reinforcements. This achievement highlights the Bundeswehr’s agility and adaptability in modernizing its fleet. In response to the retirement of the veteran vessels “Wangerooge,” “Spiekeroog,” and “Fehmarn” due to age constraints at the close of the previous year, the German Navy faced a critical shortage of ocean-going tugs, vital for its operational capabilities. Traditionally, commissioning a new vessel involves a lengthy process of design, construction, and testing. However, the Bundeswehr took an unconventional route to secure the “Rügen.”
The procurement team, recognizing the immediate necessity for modernization, decided to explore the secondary market. This led to the discovery of the “Rügen,” a larger and more powerful tugboat with the ability to tow up to 21,000 tons under full load in high seas—an attribute it has already demonstrated during its previous service as the “Rota Endurance” under a civilian company for two decades. A unique partnership between the Bundeswehr and a maritime trader facilitated the acquisition—a departure from conventional armaments procurement methods. This innovative procurement strategy aligns with Germany’s evolving defense priorities. The geopolitical landscape, notably Russia’s actions in Ukraine in February 2022, underscored the urgency of maintaining a robust and swiftly operational armed forces. While the 100 billion euro Special Fund provided substantial resources, the immediate availability of advanced weaponry and vehicles remained a challenge.
The acquisition of the “Rügen” serves as one of eleven pioneering projects aimed at accelerating the modernization of Bundeswehr’s assets. The Ministry of Defense’s task force, empowered to explore unconventional avenues, demonstrated the remarkable outcomes attainable through collaborative efforts and innovative thinking. Brigadier General Christian Leitges further elaborated, “The impact of these pilot projects resonates across the entire Bundeswehr, significantly expediting multiple processes. The ‘Rügen’ tugboat is emblematic of this momentum—a true workhorse.” The procurement journey of the “Rügen” was marked by exceptional measures. By proactively engaging the market and bypassing conventional procedures in favor of original English contracts, the Bundeswehr adjusted its approach to meet operational needs expeditiously. This adaptability facilitated the unprecedented swift transfer of the vessel to the Navy, a testament to the capabilities of the modernized procurement process.
Merely four weeks after its arrival, the ocean-going tug “Rügen” was commissioned into service, complemented by the integration of a military communications system. Despite this milestone, Vice Admiral Frank Lenski noted that the vessel’s transformation is ongoing. “The ‘Rügen’ represents a departure from the traditional marine color scheme of blue and white, and while these colors are appealing, the future envisages this ship in the iconic squirrel gray,” remarked Vice Admiral Lenski. Anticipating the future, plans are underway to acquire a sister ship for the “Rügen,” following the same secondary market approach. This achievement reinforces the Bundeswehr’s commitment to redefining established processes, demonstrating that a departure from convention, although challenging, can yield substantial dividends.
