Maritime sensation: Tanker Spessart” in the shipyard at Kiel Week!

Maritime sensation: Tanker Spessart” in the shipyard at Kiel Week!

The Kiel Week 2025, which takes place from June 20th to 29th, is already all about maritime tradition and international cooperation. This year the event will be accompanied by a large number of ships from twelve different nations. Over 1,800 marines have announced their intention to take part in one of the largest folk festivals in Schleswig-Holstein. A special highlight is the US command ship “USS Mount Whitney”, which will anchor right next to the destroyer “USS Paul Ignatius” in the holiday port.

This year there is also a not entirely usual picture at the German Navy's berth. The tanker “Spessart”, 130 meters long and known under the registration A1442, has taken up residence at the German Naval Yards (GNYK) shipyard in Kiel-Gaarden for the Kiel Week. The reason for this short-term evacuation were deficiencies in the berths in the Navy's home port. The base in Wik and the naval arsenal in Ellerbek are currently suffering from security and space problems. Frigate captain Tim Gabrys has explained that this berth can only be used for the Kiel Week, as the “Spessart” would otherwise dock at the Gorch Fock pier, which is reserved this year for the Danish frigate “Absalon”.

Mooring problems and maritime tradition

The Oskar Kusch pier in the base is no longer functional due to repair work, nor is another berth in the naval arsenal, which cannot be used due to the dilapidated subsoil. The “Spessart”, a tanker that is no longer seaworthy, also needs a place with tug assistance. This necessary change promptly brought the GNYK shipyard in Kiel into the breach and immediately provided a berth. The “Spessart” was last used during a NATO mission in 2023 and has now found its place as a floating tank farm in the Navy. Interestingly, the ship was built in 1974 and is one of the longest serving tankers within NATO.

In addition to the “Spessart”, the discarded tugs “Spiekeroog” and “Fehmarn” also had to be withdrawn from the naval base. These tugs could be accommodated on the repair quay of the naval arsenal. Despite these restrictions, the berth situation at the naval base has already eased as most of the 25 foreign naval units that arrived for the Kiel Week have now left. There will also be an exciting Open Ship for visitors on June 21st and 22nd, which will make the ships at the Kiel-Wik naval base open to the public.

Supporting program of the Kiel Week

A great spectacle is also the return of the sailing training ship “Gorch Fock”, which returns from its training trip abroad on June 26th. On June 28th the windjammer will lead the windjammer parade. In addition to the maritime highlights, guests in Kiel can also expect a cutter regatta in the fjord, various events for children and a field reception by the Schleswig-Holstein regional group, where high-ranking guests from politics, the Bundeswehr and many other areas will be welcomed.

There will also be a little romance and a lot of information for maritime friends on June 27th, when the “Gorch Fock” will be available for viewing as another open ship. Ultimately, Kiel Week not only offers a look at impressive naval activities, but also the opportunity to experience the diversity and fascination of seafaring up close.

The Kiel Week not only connects people, but also creates a strong bond with international partners. Over 4,000 international marines will be there, and new NATO partners Sweden and Finland will also be represented with several units. A visit to this special event is an absolute must for every maritime enthusiast!

For further information about the ships and the program during Kiel Week, visit KN Online, Reservistenverband and NDR.