Anyone who is used to the factual technical language that the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) normally uses in its news for seafarers might have been surprised: In the current issue 9/2026 a mysterious exercise is announced for the sea area east of Heligoland.
Unlit - at night
In the area of the Steingrund and the Loreleybank, more precisely: at the coordinates 54° 13' N 008° 05.00' E and 54° 13' N 008° 04.00' E, the Special ship "Atair" from 20 to 24 March 2026 with "completely unlit objects", which will be laid out there.
During the hours of darkness, "various manoeuvres" are to be carried out. Shipping is therefore requested to avoid these positions with a distance of at least 0.7 nautical miles.
In the bright light of day
But what is behind the cryptic announcement? Seen in the bright light of day, it turns out that the process is far less mysterious than might have been assumed. According to the BSH, it involves so-called night-vision buoys in accordance with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standard and other objects. It's all about safety.
The aim of the exercises is to determine how well unlit objects in the water can be recognised at night using various methods. Floating objects are generally difficult to spot in the dark, but can pose a great danger even if they are comparatively small - such as a container with only one corner sticking out of the water or a sea mine that has been torn loose.
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Christian Tiedt
Editor Travel
