The Type 401 Rhein-class tender was a class of tender ships which was laid down in 1958, christened in 1959 and put into service in 1961 and served as a support unit for the 3rd Schnellboot Squadron until they were decommissioned by 1992.

The tenders take care of the supply of fuel, water and provisions, they also provide workshops, spare parts and tools as well as an infirmary with an operating theater for crews.

After decommissioning, four of the ships were scrapped, three sold to Turkey and one to Greece.

The Type 402 Mosel-class tender consists of three ships (Mosel, Isar, Saar) which are used to supply minesweepers.

The Type 403 Lahn-class tender are used to supply submarines with two ships of this subclass, Lahn and Lech.