Type 702 BERLIN-Class Fleet Auxiliary Vessels
EGV Einsatzgruppenversorger Berlin

Naval auxiliaries have been a part of the Blohm + Voss portfolio for over five decades. The German Navy commissioned two BERLIN-class fleet auxiliary vessels. The BERLIN-Class Fleet Auxiliary Vessels accommodate 84 standard ISO containers, 8.500 tons of liquid and 14.500 tons of dry cargo. The BERLIN-class is fitted with Replenishment-At-Sea (RAS) systems in accordance with NATO regulations, hosts two helicopters, has in-flight refuelling-capabilities (HIFR), operates two 24 ton cranes and has an array of 14 medium to small calibre self-defence weapons. The large modular hospital (MERZ) offers 45 beds plus four for intensive care (including hospital ward).

The Einsatzgruppeversorger [EGV = Task Group Provider] of the "Berlin" class is a supply ship of the navy, which has the task to supply warships of a Marine Einsatzgruppe at sea independently of a harbor with the necessary supply goods. Essentially, this includes fuel and oil, fresh water, provisions, ammunition and consumer goods. The fuel supply of the ship for its own use and for delivery to other units is approximately 9,500 m³ . The amount of fresh water available on board is permanently supplemented from our own fresh water generators (daily output: 25 m³ ). From this supply, which far exceeds the self-consumption of the ship, water can be delivered to other units.

Approx. 230 t of food can be carried in various storage areas ( eg deep-freeze loads and dry food storage areas). In addition, the ship has on deck pitches for twelve of the usual seeverlastbaren standard 20 FT - Container . It is possible to transfer all supplies at sea into service using special harnesses to other units. In the port, the ship has its own cargo gear to carry out the handling of goods regardless of a port infrastructure.

EGV BERLIN supports routine exercise and employment projects of the destroyer flotilla as a supporting unit of the navy. The employments necessary for it can take place world-wide. For employment parameters (length of application, - area, etc.) it can provide the following support need: - consumer goods + fuel (F-75, F-44) + oils and fats + Fresh water and boiler food water + food supply means and mark tender goods + ammunition - and management of non and single consumer goods in employment and consumption-dependent supply packages including medical material as well as technical and medical gases.

A second batch with significant improvements and extensions such as an integrated bridge, a double hull in accordance with MARPOL, a new air-conditioning concept, additional air-surveillance radar, new engines and advanced helicopter controls was ordered 2008. Furthermore, the vessel incorporates a new crewing concept. The third ship of the class, the Bonn, incorporates lessons learned from a decade of experience with her sister ships, including the humanitarian support provided by the Berlin following the 2005 tsunami in Southeast Asia. As such, the Bonn incorporates a substantially enlarged superstructure, davit-mounted landing craft and other enhancements. The 9,000-ton fuel tank of the EGVs has proven to be a bit small to support an entire taskforce.

The two "Sea King" type MK 41 helicopters , which are primarily intended for rescue operations, can also be used to transport supplies to other units or on land. In rescue operation, the "Sea King" rescue helicopter can carry six lying or 18 seated patients. He is also equipped with a rescue winch, which allows him to take without landing people on board or drop off.

The Einsatzgruppeversorger of the "Berlin" class carry a Rescue Center "See", whose treatment capacity is primarily designed to adequately provide the occupants of the Navy's naval task forces with medical care. The rescue center See consists of a combination of ship-fixed installations and containerized functional units. The 41 hospital beds and the four beds for intensive medical care are housed in the ship's interior of the Einsatzgruppenversorgung. The actual treatment units are located in a two-layer container system on the upper deck. The two operating theaters, the X-ray facility, the dental unit and the laboratories are housed here. Overall, it is a highly functional, modern medical treatment facility, but despite the containerized compilation can only be operated on board and not self-sufficient on land, since numerous technical interfaces with the ship are required.

The rescue center is operated by a team of 45 specialists (medical specialists). Adapted to the expected situation in the area of operation, this medical staff includes not only surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists and laboratory staff but also a tropical medicine specialist, a pediatrician and a gynecologist.

The special effect of the ship in disaster response results from the flexibly usable combination of functional management and telecommunications infrastructure, comprehensive supply options with all vital articles and the medical service component already described. These capabilities can be deployed on-the-go in all off-shore locations, regardless of land-based infrastructure, and quickly deployed as needed.