Arkona , which has two outrigged skimmers and 320m 3separation plant, is the newest addition to a fast-growing fleet of emergency response vessels which mirror increased German concerns about marine pollution after a number of close-shave accidents like Erika in recent years. The new boat will serve alongside Scharhorn in the Baltic.

Two other German pollution combat boats, Neuwerk , an identical bigger sister of Arkona , and Mellum , both serve in the North Sea.

Officials said the new ship has incorporated a lot of input gained from experience with its sister vessels. Costing about ? 38 million, it has been built in a record 12 months under the project title SUBS Ostsee but its actual name was kept under wraps until launch.

The Arkona draws 4.5m and has a top speed of 13.1 knots. Her diesel electric drive comprises two Schottel Type SEP 2 pod propulsors with an SPJ 220 bowjet providing 1000kW and total performance put at 3,700kW.

With accommodation for 16, Arkona can tackle buoy tender, police support, firefighting, icebreaking and rescue as well as her main pollution combat and emergency tug work.