Visiting Royal Navy Frigate in Hamburg: A Tour of HMS Somerset
- British naval vessel moors in Hamburg's port.
Get ready to explore! HMS Somerset, a defeater of drugs and a stalwart monitor of foreign vessels, has arrived in Hamburg Harbor for the weekend! This 1993-commissioned British warship is dropping anchor at the Overseas Bridge until Monday. Standing at an impressive 133 meters in length and 16 meters in width, HMS Somerset is longer than three American football fields swept end to end!
Curious locals can get a closer look at this mighty vessel on Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00. Tours will allow you to roam the ship, learning the ins and outs of life onboard from the friendly crew. Keep in mind, for safety reasons, large bags are not allowed. By Monday, HMS Somerset will say her farewells to Hamburg and head back home to Devonport, England.
In 2015, the HMS Somerset made headlines when she collaborated with the National Crime Agency to seize over £500 million worth of cocaine in the North Sea, making it England’s largest illegal drug bust ever, all thanks to this frigate's keen eyes and swift maneuvers! More recently, HMS Somerset has been busy patrolling British waters, keeping an eye on Russian destroyers, as they pass by.
So, join us in welcoming this fearless warship to our shores and, who knows, maybe they'll share a few sea stories!
Here's a bit more about our fearless foe:
HMS Somerset: A Force to Be Reckoned With
HMS Somerset is a Type 23 frigate of the Royal Navy and part of a fleet designed for a variety of roles, including anti-submarine warfare. Equipped with advanced sensors and missile systems like the Sea Ceptor, the Type 23 frigates like HMS Somerset have greatly evolved since their initial commissioning. HMS Somerset plays an essential role in monitoring and escorting foreign naval vessels throughout UK waters and regularly lends a hand to NATO allies.
A Timeline of Triumph
HMS Somerset has been in service since 1996 and has proudly served the Royal Navy in numerous operations and exercises. These hardworking frigates are known for their quiet operation and agility, making them perfect for anti-submarine work, and they are also armed with Harpoon missiles for engaging targets on the surface.
Recent Missions
Recently, HMS Somerset has been busy monitoring Russian convoys passing through the English Channel and North Sea. With previous missions highlighting the warship's ability to track and escort Russian vessels, HMS Somerset has demonstrated its dedication to maintaining maritime security in both Britain and the greater NATO community.
Maritime Marvel
In March 2025, HMS Somerset tracked a Russian task group, including the corvette Boikiy and the cargo vessel Baltic Leader, as they ventured through the English Channel and North Sea. The ship continued its good work in March 2025, shadowing Russian landing ship RFN Alexander Otrakovsky and merchant vessel MV Ascalon. HMS Somerset has been actively involved in similar missions over the past few months.
A Steadfast Defender
Maintaining a high level of operational readiness, this fearless vessel and its dedicated crew stand ready to defend the UK and its allies from maritime threats. Through a proactive approach and close cooperation with other Royal Navy vessels, helicopters, and NATO forces, HMS Somerset contributes significantly to the Royal Navy's ability to keep our waters secure.
So, there you have it! A quick glimpse into the mind-boggling history, capabilities, and recent adventures of HMS Somerset, the hardworking warship visiting Hamburg Harbor for the weekend. Come join us for the tour, and don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure!
- The HMS Somerset, currently in Hamburg Harbor, boasts an impressive employment policy of monitoring foreign vessels, anti-submarine warfare, and escorting NATO allies, as demonstrated by its recent missions in the English Channel and North Sea.
- In 2022, HMS Somerset will offer visitors a glimpse of its employment policy during scheduled tours, allowing locals to learn about life onboard and the ship's role in maintaining maritime security, all while adhering to safety regulations that forbid large bags.
- HMS Somerset's community policy, as shown in its collaboration with the National Crime Agency in 2015, had a significant impact, leading to England's largest illegal drug bust ever, worth over £500 million in cocaine seized from the North Sea.
