Lübeck fire department says goodbye to legendary fireboat after 52 years

Lübeck fire department says goodbye to legendary fireboat after 52 years

A new chapter in the history of the Lübeck fire department begins as the old fireboat “Senator Emil Peters” is officially decommissioned after 52 years. Loud hl-live.de The decision was made at the end of July 2025 and the boat, which has been in tireless use since 1973, is now being auctioned. Bids are possible until Friday at 1 p.m. - one last chance to purchase a piece of Lübeck's fire brigade history.

The condition of “Senator Emil Peters” has been worrying over the years. But the boat was still ready to sail until it was decommissioned. In spring 2025, the underwater hull was cleaned and sealed. However, there are concerns about possible exposure to lead or asbestos through the preservation paint. A new owner will also have to take care of removing the rotating beacon and the inscription “Fire Department” and will not be allowed to use the name “Senator Emil Peters”.

A modern successor

With the departure of the old ship, the Lübeck fire department is also looking forward to building a new modern fireboat, which has been in planning since October 2020. The contract for the construction went to NECKAR-BOOTSBAU Ebert GmbH from Neckarsteinach, which meets the high requirements of the fire department. The new boat will be almost 20 meters long and will be able to reach speeds of up to 40 km/h. It will also be able to operate in shallower waters thanks to water jet propulsion luebecker-hafenrundschau.de reported.

Particular attention is paid to the new engine technology, which is not only powerful but also meets the strictest emissions standards. With this technology, the pumps of the new fireboat will be able to effectively fight fires on ships up to 40 meters high.

The new fireboat was originally scheduled to be delivered at the end of 2022. However, due to technical changes, pandemic-related difficulties and supply bottlenecks, the plans have been delayed. A construction meeting took place in January 2024, during which important detailed agreements on the hull of the fireboat were made. The jet engines are to be welded into the fuselage from the 18th calendar week of 2024, so that handover is now targeted for late summer or early autumn 2024.

How will the new fireboat ultimately get to Lübeck's waters? This decision – whether by cargo ship or our own motor power – is still pending. Citizens can look forward to the developments and how their fire department will soon be equipped with the latest technology.

Further information about the auction of “Senator Emil Peters” can be found at vebeg.de.