According to information published by the German MoD on April 6, 2023, the Berlin class replenishment ship Bonn is sailing to the Mediterranean Sea to take over the next European Union Naval Forces Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED) Irini contingent.
Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link
German Navy's Berlin class replenishment ship Bonn. (Picture source: German MoD)
The vessel has a displacement of 20,240 tonnes and is 173.7 meters (569 feet, 11 inches) long, with a beam (width) of 24 meters (78 feet, 9 inches) and a draught (depth) of 7.4 meters (24 feet, 3 inches).
The propulsion system consists of two MAN Diesel 12V 32/40 diesel engines, each with a power output of 10,555 kilowatts (14,154 brake horsepower), two reduction gears, and two controllable pitch five-bladed propellers. The vessel also has a bow thruster and four diesel generators.
The replenishment oiler has a maximum speed of 20 knots (37 kilometers per hour, or 23 miles per hour) and an endurance of 45 days. Its armament includes four MLG 27 mm autocannons and a Stinger surface-to-air missile launcher (MANPADS). The vessel can carry two Sea King or NH90 helicopters, and has a hangar and flight deck for this purpose.
IRINI
The European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI) is a military operation launched on 31 March 2020 under the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) of the European Union.
Its primary mission is to enforce the United Nations arms embargo on Libya, which was put in place due to the ongoing Second Libyan Civil War. The operation uses aerial, maritime, and satellite assets to achieve its objectives.
