:German ship Frankfurt am Main
{{short description|Berlin-class oiler}}
| {{Infobox ship begin
}} {{Infobox ship image | Ship image = File:FGS Frankfurt-am-Main-2012-1.jpg | Ship caption = Frankfurt am Main leaving Portsmouth, UK on 12 March 2012. }} {{Infobox ship career | Ship country = Germany | Ship flag = {{shipboxflag|Germany|naval}} | Ship name = Frankfurt am Main | Ship namesake = Frankfurt am Main | Ship builder = Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft | Ship ordered = 22 August 1997 | Ship laid down = | Ship launched = 5 January 2001 | Ship commissioned = 27 May 2002 | Ship identification = *{{MMSI Number|211211760}}
| Ship honours = | Ship status = Active | Ship homeport = Wilhelmshaven, Germany }} {{Infobox ship characteristics |Hide header= |Header caption= |Ship type=Replenishment oiler |Ship displacement= {{cvt|20,240|t|LT|lk=on}} |Ship length= {{convert|173.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |Ship beam={{convert|24|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |Ship height= |Ship draught= {{convert|7.4|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |Ship depth= |Ship hold depth= |Ship propulsion=*2 × MAN Diesel 12V 32/40 diesel-engines, {{convert|14154|bhp|order=flip|lk=on}}
|Ship speed= {{convert|20|kn|lk=in}} |Ship range= |Ship endurance=45 days |Ship boats= |Ship capacity= |Ship complement= |Ship sensors= |Ship EW= |Ship armament=*4 × MLG 27 mm autocannons |Ship armor= |Ship aircraft= 2 × Sea King or NH90 helicopters |Ship aircraft facilities= Hangar and flight deck |Ship notes= }} |
Frankfurt am Main (A1412) is the second ship of the {{sclass|Berlin|replenishment ship}}s of the German Navy. Ordered in 1997, the vessel was constructed in Hamburg by Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft and was launched on 5 January 2001. Frankfurt am Main was commissioned on 27 May 2002 and is currently in service.
Development and description
{{Main|Berlin-class replenishment ship}}
File:Frankfurt - Knurrhahn.JPG. Floating barracks {{ship||Knurrhahn|Y811|2}} in the foreground on 17 August 2007]]
In German, this type of ship is called Einsatzgruppenversorger which can be translated as "task force supplier" though the official translation in English is "combat support ship". They are intended to support German naval units away from their home ports. The ships carry fuel, provisions, ammunition and other matériel and also provide medical services. The ships are named after German cities where German parliaments were placed.
The Berlin-class replenishment ships are the largest vessels of the German Navy.{{cite web |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/berlin-class-fleet-auxiliary-vessels/ |title=Berlin Class Fleet Auxiliary Vessels, Germany |work=naval-technology.com |access-date=2 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520004059/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/berlin-class-fleet-auxiliary-vessels/ |archive-date=20 May 2013 |url-status=live}} The Berlin-class replenishment ships are {{convert|173.7|m|ftin}} long overall and {{cvt|162|m|ftin}} between perpendiculars with a beam of {{cvt|24|m|ftin}} and a draught of {{cvt|7.4|m|ftin}}. The vessels have a displacement of {{convert|10115|t|LT|lk=on}} light and {{cvt|20243|t|LT}} at full load and measure {{GT|18640|disp=long}}. Constructed with a double hull, they have a pronounced bow bulb.{{sfn|Wertheim|2013|p=239}} The ships have capacity for {{cvt|9000|m3}}{{sfn|Wertheim|2013|p=239}} or {{cvt|7600|t}}{{sfn|Lürssen}} of marine diesel fuel, {{cvt|600|m3}}{{sfn|Wertheim|2013|p=239}} or {{cvt|490|t}}{{sfn|Lürssen}} of aviation fuel, {{cvt|60|m3}}{{sfn|Wertheim|2013|p=239}} or {{cvt|126|t}}{{sfn|Lürssen}} of lube oil, {{cvt|100|t}} of spare parts, {{cvt|230|t}} of provisions and {{cvt|195|t}} of ammunition,{{sfn|Wertheim|2013|p=239}} or {{cvt|71|t}} of fresh water, {{cvt|100|t}} consumables, {{cvt|1075|t}} of supplies and 230 t of provisions.{{sfn|Lürssen}} The vessels have two replenishment at sea stations, one to each per side of the ship and two electro-hydraulic container and cargo cranes. The Berlin class have capacity for 86 TEUs of shipping containers and can stack 26 TEUs in two layers on the upper deck. The ships have provision for a Marineeinsatzrettungzentrum (MERZ) unit which is a modular operations rescue centre aboard the ship. The MERZ is capable of holding 50 patients and providing them with emergency surgery, intensive care, internal medicine and dental services.{{sfn|Wertheim|2013|p=239}}{{sfn|Saunders|2009|p=293}}
The first two vessels of the class, {{ship|German auxiliary|Berlin||2}} and Frankfurt am Main are powered by two MAN Diesel 12V 32/40 diesel-engines, creating {{convert|14154|bhp|order=flip|lk=on}} with two reduction gears turning two controllable pitch five-bladed propellers and powering one bow thruster.{{sfn|Wertheim|2013|p=239}} They have four Deutz-MWM diesel generators. The ships have a maximum speed of {{convert|20|kn|lk=in}} and have an endurance of 45 days.{{sfn|Wertheim|2013|p=239}} The Berlin-class ships have a helipad aft and a hangar and can support two helicopters, either the Sea King or NH90 models which can be used for vertical replenishment.{{sfn|Wertheim|2013|p=239}}{{sfn|Sharpe|1996|p=253}} The vessels are equipped with radar and mine avoidance sonar and one of the radars is situated aft for use during helicopter takeoff and landing.{{sfn|Wertheim|2013|p=239}}
The Berlin class are armed with four Mauser BK-27 autocannon for anti-aircraft defence and four {{cvt|12.7|mm}} machine guns. The MLG 27 replaced older Bofors 40 mm Automatic Gun L/70. The vessels are also fitted for but not with Stinger surface-to-air missile (MANPADS) for point defence.{{sfn|Wertheim|2013|p=239}} The vessels have a complement of 159 plus 74 embarked.{{sfn|Lürssen}}{{efn|The number of crew varies between sources, ranging from 139 plus 94 embarked{{sfn|Saunders|2009|p=293}} to 233.{{sfn|Wertheim|2013|p=239}}}}
Construction and career
File:USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and Frankfurt am Main (AM 1412).jpg on 26 April 2009]]
The initial plan for the Berlin class comprised four ships. However, in 1994, the number of ships to be ordered was cut back to just one. A second ship was authorized in the 1996 budget and Frankfurt am Main was ordered in June 1998. The ship was constructed by a consortium composed of Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft which constructed the hull, Lürssen the electrictal systems and Krügerwerft the superstructure, outfitting and sea trials. The ship was laid down on 28 August 2000 and launched on 5 January 2001 at Hamburg.{{sfn|Wertheim|2013|p=239}} The ship was christened by sponsor Petra Roth, the mayor of Frankfurt am Main.{{cite web |url=https://www.fnp.de/frankfurt/frankfurt-kiel-gestrandet-13812973.html |title=Die Frankfurt ist in Kiel gestrandet |language=de |work=Frankfurter Neue Presse |first=Sylvia Amanda |last=Menzdorf |date=26 June 2020 |access-date=8 January 2022 }} Frankfurt am Main then underwent sea trials beginning on 19 February 2002. She was commissioned on 27 May 2002.{{sfn|Wertheim|2013|p=239}}{{Cite web|date=2012-04-26|title=Dritter Einsatzgruppenversorger Klasse 702 ‑ Das Schiff und dessen Weiterentwicklung|url=http://www.dmkn.de/Dritter-Einsatzgruppenversorger-Klasse-702-Das-Schiff-dessen-Weiterentwicklung|access-date=2020-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426070747/http://www.dmkn.de/Dritter-Einsatzgruppenversorger-Klasse-702-Das-Schiff-dessen-Weiterentwicklung|archive-date=2012-04-26}}
Her first home port was Kiel,{{sfn|Wertheim|2013|p=239}} since 26 September 2012, she has been stationed at the Heppenser Groden naval base in Wilhelmshaven.{{cite web |url=http://www.marine.de/portal/a/marine/!ut/p/c4/NU0xDoMwEPvRBbrQditiaUeWFrYAl-RESNAloVLVxzcZaksebMsWo8h08iAtI3knrXiJYabr9IZNMiSckJMLgOQMUkQHhqwKShr-YNIIB3LwrJEB9QG5bcmtVoaAoFi6VSWOxabZRBTPcrcgzN5hLJoXI2XVLKNn2D1HW5LEnBOgRQxV3bVVU_1Rf8_Do-nH5nTp7m0v9m27_QDzhHHj/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210155017/http://www.marine.de/portal/a/marine/!ut/p/c4/NU0xDoMwEPvRBbrQditiaUeWFrYAl-RESNAloVLVxzcZaksebMsWo8h08iAtI3knrXiJYabr9IZNMiSckJMLgOQMUkQHhqwKShr-YNIIB3LwrJEB9QG5bcmtVoaAoFi6VSWOxabZRBTPcrcgzN5hLJoXI2XVLKNn2D1HW5LEnBOgRQxV3bVVU_1Rf8_Do-nH5nTp7m0v9m27_QDzhHHj/ |archive-date=10 December 2014 |title=Willkommen in Wilhelmshaven |publisher=Bundesmarine |date=26 September 2012 |language=de}} Frankfurt am Main worked with {{USS|Mesa Verde}} during mock underway replenishment in the 50th iteration of UNITAS Gold on 26 April 2009.{{Cite web|last=Kuzlik|first= Ron|title=UNITAS Gold 2009 draws to a close|url=https://www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/news/top_stories/unitas-gold-2009-draws-to-a-close/article_407629a9-8526-5be5-8c36-f370b382eac1.html|access-date=8 January 2022 |date=13 May 2009|website=Military News }}
In 2012, the ship was sent to Canada ahead of that nation's procurement of future replenishment ships. This was an attempt to draw Canadian interest in acquiring ship's of a similar design.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/german-warships-in-halifax-to-drum-up-business-1.1182829 |title=German warships in Halifax to drum up business |work=CBC News |date=29 May 2012 |access-date=8 January 2022 }} In 2013, the mission was successful, as the Canadians chose the Berlin class as the basis for their new auxiliary ships.{{cite web |url=http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/sam-mps/dinsi-bkjss-eng.html |title=Backgrounder: Joint Support Ship Design |publisher=Public Works and Government Services Canada |date=31 May 2013 |access-date=14 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514191526/http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/sam-mps/dinsi-bkjss-eng.html |archive-date=14 May 2014 }}
On 16 March 2017, she was damaged in the evening when entering homeport Wilhelmshaven. When reversing in the port, Frankfurt am Main{{'}}s stern collided with the concrete porch of the lock island. The ship was repaired at Kiel from June to September.{{cite web |url=https://www.bundeswehr-journal.de/2018/bartels-der-marine-gehen-die-einsatzfaehigen-schiffe-aus/ |title=Bartels: "Der Marine gehen die einsatzfähigen Schiffe aus" |work=bundeswehr-journal.de |language=de |date=12 February 2018 |access-date=8 January 2022 }} After returning to service, Frankfurt am Main sailed for the Aegean Sea to join Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, remaining with the unit until March 2018.{{cite press release |url=https://www.presseportal.de/pm/67428/3763578 |title=Einsatzgruppenversorger "Frankfurt am Main" bricht zur Unterstützung in die Ägäis auf |publisher=Presse- und Informationszentrum Marine |language=de |via=presseportal.de |date=17 October 2017 |access-date=8 January 2022 }}
In 2015 the {{lang|de|Marineeinsatzrettungszentrum}} (MERZ) (English: Marine Rescue Centre) burned down at the shipyard in Kiel. MERZ was a containerized-based mobile hospital consisting of 26 containers intended to be flexible to adapt to the navy's needs.{{cite web |url=https://www.behoerden-spiegel.de/2021/01/25/keine-verzoegerung-durch-imerz/ |title=Keine Verzögerung durch iMERZ |work=Behörden Spiegel |language=de |last=Frank |first=Dorethee |date=25 January 2021 |access-date=8 January 2022 |archive-date=8 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108114723/https://www.behoerden-spiegel.de/2021/01/25/keine-verzoegerung-durch-imerz/ |url-status=dead }} After the mobile version's destruction, the navy chose to go with a built-in option, with flexibility diminishing in importance. They chose Frankfurt am Main to host the new {{lang|de|integrierte Marineeinsatz-Rettungszentum}} (iMERZ) (English: Integrated Marine Rescue Centre). Beginning in February 2020, the ship began a refit to incorporate the iMERZ into the ship's citadel to allow for CBRN defence. The navy intended to construct the iMERZ separately and after opening part of Frankfurt am Main{{'}}s hull, slide the iMERZ in. However, a manufacturing defect led the iMERZ to be too large for the spot in Frankfurt am Main{{'}}s hull and had to be rebuilt, leading to delays in the ship's return to sea, which is not expected before 2022.
In 2024, Frankfurt am Main was selected to undertake an around the world deployment, accompanying the frigate {{ship|German frigate|Baden-Württemberg||2}}.{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/02/german-navy-indo-pacific-deployment/ |title=German Navy Chief Talks Indo-Pacific Deployment, Round The World-Sail |work=Naval News |last=Luck |first=Alex |date=5 February 2024 |access-date=5 February 2024}} The tanker along with Baden-Württemberg participated in the Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Indian Navy's {{ship|INS|Delhi||6}} from 21 to 23 October 2024 in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-24 |title=MARITIME PARTNERSHIP EXERCISE (MPX) WITH GERMAN NAVY (21-23 OCT 24) |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2067768 |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=Press Information Bureau}}
Notes
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Citations
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References
{{Portal|Germany}}
- {{cite web |url=https://luerssen-defence.com/english-luerssen-egv-typ-702/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212055521/http://www.luerssen-defence.com/english-luerssen-egv-typ-702/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 12, 2017 |title=EGV Type 702 (Berlin, Frankfurt, Bonn) Data Sheet |publisher=Lürssen |access-date=14 July 2021 |ref={{sfnref|Lürssen}} }}
- {{cite book |editor-last=Saunders |editor-first=Stephen |year=2009 |title=Jane's Fighting Ships 2009–2010 |publisher=Jane's Information Group Inc. |edition=112 |location=Alexandria, Virginia |isbn=978-0-7106-2888-6}}
- {{cite book |editor-last=Sharpe |editor-first=Richard |year=1996 |title=Jane's Fighting Ships 1996–97 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |edition=99 |location=Surrey, United Kingdom |isbn=0-7106-1355-5}}
- {{cite book |editor-last=Wertheim |editor-first=Eric |year=2013 |title=The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World |edition=16th |publisher=Naval Institute Press |location=Annapolis, Maryland |isbn=9-7-815911-4954-5}}
{{Berlin-class replenishment ships}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Frankfurt am Main (A1412)}}