Multipurpose vessel 'Neuwerk' falls out due to defect - Germany's LNG terminal on Rügen faces crisis as key icebreaker breaks down mid-winter

A key federal vessel supporting Germany's LNG terminal on Rügen has been forced out of action. The Neuwerk, a multi-purpose icebreaker, suffered a technical fault near the island and is now undergoing repairs. Its absence comes as floating ice continues to block shipping routes to the terminal, requiring urgent solutions to keep operations running smoothly.

The Neuwerk had been working non-stop since 9 January 2026 to clear ice from the waters around Mukran Port. Over 35 days, it ensured safe passage for ships reaching Rügen's LNG import terminal amid freezing conditions. But the vessel's sudden breakdown left a critical gap in icebreaking services.

To cover the shortfall, authorities have chartered the VB Bremen Fighter, a powerful tugboat now handling icebreaking duties. The replacement vessel will maintain access to the terminal while the Neuwerk remains docked at Mukran Port for repairs. No timeline for its return has yet been confirmed.

The Neuwerk's technical failure adds pressure to an already challenging winter for Rügen's LNG operations. With ice still forming offshore, the chartered tugboat must now keep shipping lanes open until the icebreaker resumes service. The situation highlights the reliance on specialised vessels to secure energy imports during harsh Baltic Sea conditions.