This new unit shall replace the old working units which are more than 30 years old.

The NHA requested a ship as working platform for different tasks which daily are requested by the port authorities alongside the coast around Emden at the German Coast with islands in front of East Frisian Coast over to Wilhelmshaven. Most of the time the unit will work in the area of the mudlands between islands and coast.

The unit was classified with Germanischer Lloyd with class sign:
100 A5 K20 “E” MC AUT 24/24 “E”

The main purpose of this working unit is to repair and construct quays inside harbour and entrances to the harbour in any respect. That is why this working unit is equipped with its own small cargo hold to carry all the goods which are necessary for the job: mooring posts, stones, sand, pipes, wood poles, etc

Additionally the working boat will be equipped with its own grabber crane on its own column on forecastle deck. A pile driver on its own wheels can drive alongside the working boat on either side.

For positioning the working boat two pillars with a total length of 12,00 m each are placed on starboard side. They can be operated with winches.

The vessel was prefabricated at the premises of ELBE WERFT BOIZENBURG (EWB), Boizenburg, whereas the final outfitting has been carried out in Emden at the own Yard of NHA.

During entire building phase abh INGENIEUR-TECHNIK GMBH - represented by managing clerk Richard Vogt - has carried out plan approval of drawings prepared by EWB, supervision on the Yard and inclining experiment on behalf of NHA.

The “SEELÖWE” will come into service by beginning of the year 2003.