Germany's First U212A Submarine Begins Sea Trials

Released on Monday, April 07, 2003

The U 31, the first of 4 U212A submarines ordered by the German Navy, has began sea trials in the Baltic Sea following extensive port tests at the construction yard of Howaldtswerke (HDW), in Kiel.

The U212A class submarines will be the world's first submarines with an air-independent hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system. The fuel cell propulsion system will enable U212A submarines to operate submerged for several weeks. Due to fuel cell propulsion system no generates heat nor noise, the U212A submarines should virtually become undetectable or hard to be detected.

Germany has developed the U212 class in order to face emerging anti-submarine new threats, weapons and sensors. In addition, U212s feature low maintenance costs and a high degree of availability.

First phase of sea trials will be carried out in the western part of the Baltic Sea involving shallow waters and whole submarine's systems functionality tests.

The second phase of sea trials will involve deep-water tests beginning in late July 2003. These trials will take place near Norway and will be supported by the Norwegian Navy. In deep-water environments the U 31 will demonstrate combat and weapons system functionality with the torpedo firing.

The sea trials are scheduled to end in March 2004 and the U 31 will return to HDW's facilities in Kiel for any remaining work to be dealt with. Once done, the U 31 would be commissioned by the German Navy.

The U212A submarines are 56-meter long, with a crew of 27, displacement of 1,400t and are powered by a diesel engine and hydrogen fuel cell. The Italian Navy has also ordered 2 U212A submarines.