On Sep 17, 2024, the 'British Guardian has arrived in the naval base of Kiel in order to replace the decommisoined tug "Fehmarn". From 2025, it is to be used as the "Borkum" in Kiel. The fleet currently has no suitable deep-sea tug for maneuvers and emergencies, as the old tugs of the "Spiekeroog" and "Fehmarn" classes are no longer usable. In 2022, the Ministry of Finance released 24 million euros for the procurement of two tugs. In May 2023, the "Rügen", built in 2003, was bought in Turkey and is now in Wilhelmshaven, where it is awaiting conversion as it still needs many improvements. The 'British Guardian' set off from Abidjan to Kiel on Aug 28.
