German Naval Yards has received a contract to construct an integrated marine rescue center for the German Navy’s EGV Berlin combat support ship.
Called the i-MERZ, the center will act as a sea-based hospital to provide on-site, modern medical technology for sailors.
The facility will have optimized configurations based on an initial iteration built for the EGV Frankfurt.
It is expected to be completed next year and will be a permanent installation on the ship.
“The iMERZ enables comprehensive accident surgery and intensive medical first aid for our soldiers at sea – anywhere, anytime and to full extent,” German Naval Yards said.
“In addition, the German Navy will be able to provide valuable support in humanitarian aid missions, such as after the tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia…and to provide medical care where it is urgently needed.”
Retaining German Navy’s Operational Readiness
The Berlin is the lead ship of the service’s largest replenishment assets. It was launched in 1999 and commissioned in 2001.
Currently, the vessel is undergoing maintenance at the German Naval Yards site in Kiel, where it will obtain a rescue capability upgrade.
“We are extremely pleased to make another important contribution to the operational readiness of the German Navy,” German Naval Yards CEO Rino Brugge said.
“This contract underlines the trust placed in us by the public sector and is a cornerstone for us as a growing naval shipyard to ensure a steady workload until the end of 2028.”
