Here she rests. The Schlepper Regina is a testament to Bremen’s maritime past. This vessel is now a technical monument. It sits proudly on Vegesack’s Maritime Mile.
The Schlepper Regina’s story began in 1965. Bremer Vulkan built her for their own use. Her main job was to retrieve wood and chains from the Weser after ship launches. She also moved the shipyard’s floating crane. Occasionally, the Schlepper Regina even served for company outings.
But time and tide wait for no ship. In 1987, a major engine failure sidelined her. The shipyard modernized. The Schlepper Regina’s services were no longer needed. In 1988, Bremer Vulkan gave the tug to MTV Nautilus. This association had been founded the previous year. They restored her and converted her into a technical monument.
In late 1990, the floating crane Athlet II placed the Schlepper Regina on the Vegesack Weser promenade. This was her final resting place as a monument. From 2003 to 2008, the MTV youth group used the Schlepper Regina as a clubhouse. Later they moved to the new Nautilushaus.
Since 2017, the Schlepper Regina has a new purpose. Members of the German Amateur Radio Club use it as a radio station. The Vegesack radio amateurs converted the former workshop into a radio room. From here, they communicate worldwide. They use various analog and digital modes. Their call sign is DK0MTR. The MTR stands for “Maritime Tradition Regina.”
From spring to autumn, the Schlepper Regina welcomes visitors. On the second and fourth Sundays of the month, she opens her doors. People can explore the Schlepper Regina inside and out. If interested, they can see the radio equipment.
But how did the Schlepper Regina end up here? In 1988, Bremer Vulkan offered the scrap-ready yard tug to MTV. The price was 50,000 DM. There were problems with authorities. The goal was to place the tug on land. The price became a donation. The authorities were convinced. The Regina returned to the Weser. The FRIDO SPATZ towed her to the Gluud company. There, Dieter Töller and the floating crane ATHLET II waited to put her ashore.
Initially, activity was slow. Dieter Töller threatened to cut the Regina into pieces for removal. This spurred action. Funds for the city garden had to be used by the end of 1990. The local and building authorities helped with formalities. A maritime friend provided the supports. The Freter company did the welding work.
On November 28, 1990, fog covered the Weser in Vegesack. The Athlet II appeared with the Regina. Carefully, they placed Bremen’s maritime object in its final spot. Today, the Schlepper Regina stands as a symbol. She represents Bremen’s shipbuilding history and maritime spirit.