Hulk (ship)

As Hulk or rare Holk is called a decommissioned ship, which has no more drive, especially sailing vessels whose masts have been lost or removed. Also steam and motor vessels, which are without functional drive in port or at anchor, are referred to as the Hulk. The name is derived from the medieval ship type Holk.

Hulken serve many purposes, such as barges, prisons, storerooms or as a coal bunker. In the 19th century Hulken were used among other things in the first offices of commercial enterprises on the African coast.

A Minenhulk serves as a floating depot for naval mines. Due to its location in the roads, the Hulk is a bit away from sensitive harbor or city area and can be further dragged away in case of danger. The Minenhulk itself is not intended for use as a weapon.

The German Navy used the former frigate Cologne ( F 220 ) as Ausbildungshulk in use to prevent damage marine training center in Neustadt in Holstein. There, crews of seagoing units of the Navy are trained in fire fighting and damage control.

Unlike the Hulk vehicles that have only been temporarily taken out of the ride and have a private drive, called the trailers are.