The Epic Journey of the U17 Submarine: From Kiel to the Technic Museum Speyer

Transporting the historic 350-ton U17 Submarine from Kiel to the Technic Museum Speyer involved the impressive use of powerful MAN trucks and a 30-axle heavy transport platform trailer. The U17, weighing 350 tons, was loaded onto a heavy transport platform trailer that weighs an additional 150 tons, totaling 500 tons to be towed by the mighty MAN TGX 41.680.

Historical Background of the U17 Submarine

The U-Boat U17 Submarine was actively serviced in the early 1970s by the German Navy. Its missions included reconnaissance, surveillance, and securing the Baltic Sea in case the NATO alliance needed to be invoked. The last of the six Type 206 Alpha submarines were decommissioned in 2010, with many of them being scrapped. The U17, call number S196, began its journey in 2023. This transportation aims to make the U17 part of the Technic Sinsheim Museum's collection, with the second phase recently involving moving it from the Technic Museum Speyer.

The Transportation Logistics

The Kuebler Spedition was the Logistics Company involved in the transportation. Used to  Transport is flatbed 30-axle trailer carrying the U17 Submarine, is supported by additional tractor units, combining to produce 2,000 horsepower. At some points, only two tractor units were used to navigate complicated turns or roads. Notable vehicles spotted from the first to the last transportation included a Mercedes-Benz truck and the MAN TGX 41.680 truck.

The Journey Route

The journey began from its home in Kiel, where it was loaded onto an ocean-going pontoon. The route included navigating the Kiel Canal, traversing 100 kilometers that link the Baltic Sea. After crossing the North Sea, the submarine traveled along the Rhine and through various cities, including Duisburg, Düsseldorf, and Cologne. 

The final leg of the journey involved navigating to Speyer, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Eberbach, Haßmersheim, Siegelsbach, Bad Rappenau, Bonfeld, Ittlingen, Hilsbach, and PreZero Arena. Ultimately, it will arrive at the Technic Museum Sinsheim, where it will be displayed alongside other historic naval exhibits.

Specifications of the U17 Submarine

Before being decommissioned, the U17 was a Class 206A submarine measuring 48.6 meters in length, 4.6 meters in width, 9 meters in height, and weighing 500 tons. The submarine could dive to a maximum depth of 100 meters and remain submerged for 30 days. Its maximum underwater speed was 17 knots, and it had a crew of 24 members. This transportation showcases a complex logistics operation.