“Unveiling the Future: Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Delivers the Latest Frigate ‘RHEINLAND-PFALZ'”
Today, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has officially transferred the frigate “RHEINLAND-PFALZ” to the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Hamburg. This marks the successful delivery of all four vessels from the F125 class, which thyssenkrupp Marine Systems constructed in partnership with the NVL Group under the ARGE F125 consortium.
The vessel was presented to the BAAINBw, represented by Matthias Rohde, Head of the Acceptance Commission, and Marc Steffens, the project manager at BAAINBw, during a modest ceremony in Hamburg, kept understated due to health precautions. On behalf of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Programme Manager Patrick Buggenthin endorsed the transfer documents. Representing ARGE, CEO Dr. Rolf Wirtz stated: “We have now successfully delivered all F125 class vessels. The remaining three ships are already operational and have demonstrated their technical prowess and reliability. We are confident that the fourth vessel, the “RHEINLAND-PFALZ”, will also excel. We wish the ship and crew ‘fair winds and following seas.’ Achieving full operational readiness for all vessels of the German Navy continues to be our primary objective. On behalf of our entire workforce, I express my sincere thanks for the trust demonstrated in us. Simultaneously, I thank all our industry collaborators for their support and the accomplishments achieved. In our perspective, the innovative and highly advanced vessels of this series represent a crucial contribution to a future-ready navy. We are eager to maintain our fruitful partnership with the German Navy.”
The inaugural vessel of the F125 class is expected to commence operations in mid-2023. To facilitate this phase, a comprehensive support contract focusing on technical logistics support (TLS) for the F125 frigates was finalized between ARGE F125 and BAAINBw at the end of the previous year.
The completely reimagined vessels of the F125 class boast intricate systems and approximately 28,000 sensors, which allow for a significant level of automation, reducing the necessary crew size by nearly half compared to earlier frigate classes. Additionally, the ships can sustain operations in their designated theatre for up to two years. Beyond traditional roles in national and allied defense, they are also crafted for conflict prevention, crisis management, and stabilization operations in an international setting. In addition to engaging targets on land and at sea, they are outfitted with air defense systems and helicopters.
The contract for constructing the quartet of frigates became effective in June 2007. This was followed by the conceptualization, design, and detailed design stages. Approximately 90 percent of the sophisticated systems aboard the F125 were specifically designed for this new class of vessel.
ARGE F125 consists of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems as the primary contractor with the Bremen-based NVL Group (previously known as Lürssen Defence). The pre-assembled bow sections were manufactured at the NVL Group shipyards in Bremen and in Wolgast along the Baltic Sea. Fabrication of the stern sections, assembly of the two halves, subsequent outfitting, commissioning, and trials all occurred at the NVL shipyard Blohm+Voss in Hamburg.
Principal Specifications of the F125
- Length: 149 m
- Beam: 18 m
- Maximum Speed: > 26 kn
- Displacement: approximately 7,200 t
- Complement: max. 190 (of which 126 are regular crew members)
