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German Navy upgrading second combat support ship into a floating hospital

German Navy upgrading second combat support ship into a floating hospital
Photo: Bundeswehr

The German defense procurement agency BAAINBw has contracted German Naval Yard Kiel to build an integrated marine rescue center (i-MERZ) that would be installed into German Navy combat support ship EGV Berlin.

BAAINBw signed the contract with German Naval Yard Kiel for the construction and integration of i-MERZ on EGV Berlin on March 30, with current estimates saying the work would be completed by mid-2024.

The EGV Berlin is currently undergoing maintenance at the German Naval Yards Kiel, during which the i-MERZ will likely be installed.

After the EGV Frankfurt am Main, the EGV Berlin will be the second in its class to benefit from the installation of an i-MERZ, enabling modern medical technology to be available on-site for the troops.

Gunther Brückner, the project manager at BAAINBw, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “The i-MERZ ensures comprehensive trauma surgery and intensive care first aid on the EGV, benefiting our soldiers at sea.”

The Berlin, one of the largest ships in the German Navy at 174 meters long, 24 meters wide, and weighing over 20,000 tons. Once completing the upgrade, it will function as a floating hospital, equipped with two operating rooms, a dental department, labs, and advanced medical technology. It will also continue providing supplies such as fuel, food, materials, and ammunition to task forces at sea.

The three Berlin-class replenishment ships offer logistical and medical support globally for the German Navy and allied navies on deployments around the world.