The newest German Customs Administration vessel, the Helgoland, was recently launched in Hamburg by Nicolette Kressl, parliamentary State secretary at the ministry of finance. The Helgoland was built by TKMS Blohm + Voss Nordseewerke in Emden, a company of the ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.

The 50-meter long SWATH vessel (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) is characterized by an excellent seagoing behaviour and extremely safe operating conditions at all speeds, according to the builder. A SWATH vessel has a reduced wave attack area and is therefore a stable platform. The diesel-electric propulsion ensures economic operation; the fuel consumption of a SWATH vessel is significantly lower than that of a monohull vessel.

For customs tasks and other tasks assigned to the Customs Authorities such as monitoring fisheries and pollution control, the Helgoland will monitor the German Bight and the customs boundary of the European Union. The Helgoland will be homeported in Cuxhaven. The sister ship, the Borkum, which is also being built by TKMS Blohm + Voss Nordseewerke in Emden, is slated to be delivered at the end of the year.

Characteristics:

Length overall: 49.35 m
Beam overall: 19.00 m
Depth – main deck: 9.00 m
Draught: 4.55 m
Speed: 20 knots
Propulsion: fully diesel-electric; 4 x MTU 16V 4000 M 40B, 4 x 2200 kW
2 x Siemens asynchronous motors, 2 x 3800 kW