German Training Ship Gorch Fock to Undergo Major Refurbishment
Hamburg Shipyard Selected for Extensive Overhaul
Historic Vessel to Return to Service in 2026
The German Navy's iconic training ship Gorch Fock is set to undergo a major refurbishment at the Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg. The extensive overhaul, expected to cost around €135 million, will commence in 2023 and is scheduled for completion in 2026.
The Gorch Fock, a three-masted barque, has served as a training vessel for German naval cadets since 1958. However, the ship has been out of service since 2019 due to structural issues and the need for modernization.
The refurbishment will involve a complete overhaul of the ship's hull, masts, and rigging. The vessel will also receive new engines, navigation systems, and living quarters for the crew and cadets.
Once the refurbishment is complete, the Gorch Fock will return to service as a training vessel for German naval cadets. The ship will also continue to be used as a goodwill ambassador for Germany, participating in international maritime events and goodwill missions.
