They can handle vessels up to 2,150 tons.

Knechtel noted at the same time however that otherwise, business booked by the merchant shipping sector in 2004 had been only 'satisfactory'.

She explained that shipowners 'were very reluctant to put their ships into the yard' for repair or other work. Observers noted the reason given by most shipping companies for such reluctance at this time has been a very buoyant shipping sector and a high demand for tonnage of all types.

Among the ships docking for routine maintenance of late, Knechtel said, have been the tug Dranske , the multi-purpose Breitgrund and the supply tanker Ammersee . One impressive visitor however was the unusual 48.7m long twin-hull oil recovery vessel Eversand , which opens up along her entire length like a pair of scissors to scoop oil slicks into tanks holding 790m 3. She docked twice at the yard for engine replacement work, The Navy training sail ship Gorch Fock called for overhaul as well as some renovation and conversion work , some renovation and also had her figurehead remounted. Knechten reported other naval work as well.

Other recent callers at Elsflether Werft have included the ferry ship Deichsgraf , the push boat Allod , the motor ship Jasper , the inland tanker Profectus-Est and the inland cargo ship Moni M .