Image: Combat store ship Berlin approaching the berth at Naval Base Wilhelmshaven By Ein Dahmer – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, (Wikipedia)
For the first time in history, a logistics support vessel of the German Navy has visited Greenland, marking a significant strategic move in the North Atlantic. After participating in maneuvers with NATO’s Standing Maritime Group One (SNMG1), the German Navy’s supply ship Berlin arrived in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, reinforcing Germany’s presence in the strategically vital GIUK gap and signaling support for Denmark amid discussions on strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.
During its journey to Nuuk, the Berlin conducted a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) maneuver with the frigate Hamburg (F220). Positioned approximately 50 meters apart, the two ships extended hoses to transfer fuel, allowing the frigate to continue operations while remaining fully supplied. Upon completion of the maneuver, the Hamburg departed to rejoin SNMG1.
The voyage also provided an opportunity for the Berlin’s crew to conduct comprehensive training exercises. These included live-fire drills against small vessels, rescue operations at sea, emergency helicopter landing simulations, and hull breach drills with water inflow scenarios. Such exercises are designed to enhance the crew’s readiness for a variety of operational contingencies.
The German 🇩🇪Navy is coming to Nuuk, Greenland 🇬🇱
From 16–19 August 2025, the supply ship Berlin will dock in Nuuk for the very first time in the history of the German Navy.
The visit is part of the Atlantic Bear tour in the North Atlantic and the exercise NANOOK-TUUGAALIK 25… pic.twitter.com/YyVTfEYPoz
— Orla Joelsen (@OJoelsen) August 7, 2025
Frigate Captain Karsten Uwe Schlüter, commander of the Berlin, emphasized the critical role of supply ships in sustaining maritime operations. “As a supply ship, we offer a service that nearby units can take advantage of. Our mission is to keep combat ships at sea as long as possible, whether they are German or from other allied countries,” he explained. “By supplying German and allied units, we have enabled other warships to remain in a maritime area whose security is crucial to keep open the sea lanes between North America and Europe.”
Following its stop in Greenland, the Berlin is scheduled to continue to Canadian waters to participate in the Nanook-Tuugaalik exercises. The ship departed from Wilhelmshaven Naval Base on August 3, navigating through the GIUK gap, a key maritime corridor between the United Kingdom, Iceland, and Greenland. This passage is critical for monitoring naval traffic, supporting sustained operations of NATO vessels, and maintaining secure sea lanes between North America and Europe.
The GIUK gap is a strategic zone for both NATO and Russia. It serves as a key transit route for allied forces and supplies and is frequently used by Russian submarines to deploy into the North Atlantic. The presence of German and allied ships like the Berlin ensures operational readiness in the region and highlights the importance of maintaining security in these waters.
By extending its logistical capabilities to allied units in this critical maritime corridor, the German Navy underscores its commitment to NATO operations, Arctic security, and the maintenance of open, secure sea lanes between continents.