The Special Operations Unit of the Schleswig-Holstein State Criminal Police Office will be using a new patrol boat from now on. Minister for the Interior Magdalena Finke christened the “Odin 97” in Kiel and officially commissioned the boat. The LKA now considers itself better equipped to handle special maritime operations. The new RIB is intended to support the operational forces, particularly during operations on the Kiel Fjord, the Baltic Sea, in ports and on other waterways.
Faster than 40 knots
According to the State Criminal Police Office, the new boat can reach speeds of over 40 knots. In addition to speed, manoeuvrability was a key criterion. The boat is therefore designed not only to be fast, but also to be capable of precise manoeuvring and flexible deployment even under difficult conditions. Technically, according to the LKA, it ranks among the most modern boats used by a police special unit in Europe.
“Odin 97” was built specifically to meet the requirements of the special operations unit. The State Criminal Police Office did not provide any further technical details, such as the length, engine specifications, draught or tactical equipment. Nor has any official information been released to date regarding the shipyard or the exact type of vessel.
It was modelled on a GSG 9 RIB
However, the LKA has stated that ‘Odin 97’ is based on a GSG 9 operational vessel. The Federal Police’s special operations unit has extensive experience in water-based operations and received three RIBs, each twelve metres long, in 2016. To improve their response capability, the GSG 9’s maritime units are in the process of relocating from their base near Bonn to Neustadt in Holstein. In a press release dated July 2025, the Federal Ministry of the Interior announced that the first operational boats had already been transferred there.
Replacement for a 17-year-old boat
Furthermore, the cowls on the two outboard engines suggest they are Mercury Verados. The Schleswig-Holstein State Police’s Special Operations Unit previously had the SEK boat ‘Modi’ at its disposal, but after 17 years it had not been granted a licence for offshore operations. In addition, the state procured a new tow vehicle for the operational boat.
Rescue boat ready for action
Before the vessel was commissioned, the emergency services personnel undertook technical induction and intensive tactical boat handling training. Following its christening, the “Odin 97” is now operational. Home Secretary Magdalena Finke explained that the new boat is intended to strengthen the police’s ability to act quickly and safely on the water in acute emergency situations. This also involves the protection of ports and critical maritime infrastructure. Deputy Director of the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) Rolfpeter Ott highlighted the importance of modern equipment for the demanding and high-risk tasks carried out by the special units.
New boats for the Navy’s special forces
The Navy’s special forces are also set to receive new vessels shortly. At the beginning of July, the Ministry of Defence announced that five multi-purpose combat boats are earmarked for combat and mine-clearing divers. The 15-metre-long Combatant Craft Medium Mk1 (CCM) vessels are being delivered to Eckernförde by the US manufacturer Vigor Marine.
Several European countries are already using this technology, including Denmark, the United Kingdom and Norway. The boats are intended to enhance the tactical mobility of special forces, particularly due to their long range.
Sören Gehlhaus
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