U17 submarine: On a spectacular trip to the Sinsheim Technology Museum

U17 submarine: On a spectacular trip to the Sinsheim Technology Museum

The transport of a former submarine causes a sensation and stimulates the interest of many people. The journey of the submarine U17 from Kiel into the Sinsheim Technology Museum not only represents a logistical feat, but also raises questions about the preservation of maritime history.

The path of the submarine U17

u17, a submarine in class 206a, began his journey on April 29, 2023 on the Federal Navy site in Kiel. The transport comprised various stages and finally ended in the Sinsheim Technology Museum, where the submarine is expected as a loan from the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr.

Overall, transportation over water and land takes about four weeks. Due to its demilitarization, the submarine can no longer go into hiding and therefore had to be promoted with the help of a pontoon.

logistical challenges in transport

The route between the two museums in Speyer and Sinsheim is only 40 kilometers, but could not be used directly due to various obstacles. Instead, around 50 kilometers were covered on land, which led to a total route of around 170 kilometers. The challenges in transport were terrific: the submarine measures almost 90 meters and weighs about 500 tons, which made tight roads and low bridges a real adventure.

The cultural value of the submarine

U17 not only has an impressive maritime story, but is also an important part of the naval exhibition in the Technology Museum. After its arrival in Sinsheim, the submarine will probably be open to the public from summer 2025. The museum association sees the loan to save U17 from scrapping and strengthen the region's maritime heritage.

"We expand our naval exhibition", explain those responsible and underline the importance of this historical object.

financing and support

The total costs of the transport are estimated at around two million euros. This significant sum is mainly financed by donations, and the project is supported by the "submarine camaraderie U17", which will take care of the preservation of the submarine.

A look into the future

The journey of the U17 submarine is an impressive example of the efforts to preserve technical and maritime heritage. While the last transport sections are completed, the question remains how other historical naval units can be secured and preserved.

The arrival in Sinsheim is not only a triumph for the technology museums, but also makes the importance of cultural education and the retention of history through lively exhibits.

- Nag