German customs authorities will be deploying the ‘Fehmarn’ along the Baltic Sea coast in the future. The 55-metre-long and 10-metre-wide ship is not only equipped with state-of-the-art technology but is also a pioneer in environmental friendliness, having been awarded the Blue Angel for environmentally friendly ship design.
Modern technology for clean air and seas
The ‘Fehmarn’ is fitted with an LNG (liquefied natural gas) propulsion system, which significantly reduces emissions of airborne pollutants such as sulphur oxides, soot and nitrogen oxides compared to conventional propulsion systems. In addition, the engine technology meets the ecolabel’s strict requirements regarding methane slip – a key criterion for awarding the Blue Angel to ships with LNG propulsion systems in order to prevent an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
The ‘Fehmarn’ also sets the standard when it comes to underwater protection, as its hull is coated with a hard, biocide-free, abrasion-resistant coating. This prevents environmentally harmful paint components and microplastics from entering the sea – an important contribution to protecting the marine environment.
A clear signal for sustainable public procurement
“With the ‘Fehmarn’, the customs authorities are demonstrating how environmental and climate protection can also be actively promoted within public procurement,” says Katharina Koppe, who is in charge of reducing emissions in seagoing vessels at the German Environment Agency. “The ship serves as an example of how modern technology and environmental protection go hand in hand.”
The identical sister ship the ‘Emden’ was christened in Emden on 7 October for deployment in the North Sea.
Another customs vessel named the ‘Emden’ was ceremoniously christened and awarded the Blue Angel for environmentally friendly ship design just a week earlier. Photo f.l.t.r.: State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance Björn Böhning, President of the Central Customs Authority Dr Armin Rolfink, Head of RAL Umwelt gGmbH Christoph Eßer-Ayertey © Zoll
Both ships bear the Blue Angel ecolabel, thereby sending a strong signal for sustainable maritime mobility in the public sector.
