The Elbe-class replenishment ships are also known tenders of the German Navy.

They are intended to support German naval units away from their home ports.

The ships carry fuel, provisions, ammunition and other matériel and also provide medical services.

[1] On 20 June 2018, Rhein left her home port of Kiel.

The ship, which is part of the support squadron, will be the flagship of the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2) and the Black Sea for the next six months.