A unique cultural spaceship that has experienced the history of GDR deep-sea fishing and developed into a non-profit venue for alternative music and performance culture. Despite numerous challenges, the Stubnitz remains both a living, seaworthy industrial monument and a symbol of the endurance of grassroots and non-mainstream culture.
The history of the MS Stubnitz as a reefer cargo ship
On 01 June 2024, the MS Stubnitz celebrated its 60th anniversary. It was built in 1964 at the Volkswerft shipyard in Stralsund and, together with her sister ship the KTS Granitz, was deployed on the high seas in the service of the GDR state-owned enterprise (VEB) in Sassnitz. From 1984, she was part of the Rostock deep-sea fishing fleet and was mainly used for temporary storage on the high seas and as a transfer point for frozen cargo to larger reefer vessels. Today she is the last surviving example of the 80-metre fishing vessels of the GDR.
Following the reorganisation of the Rostock fish combine in 1990, the MS Stubnitz, one of the oldest ships in the fleet, was sold. An artists' initiative seized the opportunity to convert the refrigerated ship into an international platform for music, art and culture. In 2000, the MS Stubnitz was granted a licence to carry international cargo and was once again able to call at ports in the North and Baltic Seas. The MS Stubnitz is a popular venue for music and cultural festivals in cities such as Riga, Bruges, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, London and Copenhagen. In 2013, 2017, 2018 and 2021, the project was awarded the federal prize "Applaus" for culturally outstanding live music programmes.
A floating industrial monument
The MS Stubnitz has been a cultural centre at Kirchenpauerkai in Hamburg's HafenCity since 2013. Its anchorage at the Elbe bridges (S3/S5/U4) is secured until 2026. Despite its conversion, the Stubnitz remains a ship of the GDR deep-sea fishing fleet, largely preserved in its original condition. It is one of the oldest and technically most authentic vessels in active service. The electro-mechanical engine system with direct current technology, the command bridge with radio and map room as well as the living and social areas with cabins, galley and ship's hospital are largely intact.
The Stubnitz was granted monument status in 2003 due to its original condition and its contemporary and cultural-historical significance. Between 2019 and 2021, major restoration work will be carried out with the help of funding from the Federal Government and the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. The continuation is planned until 2024 and is supported by the BKM Federal Government and the City of Hamburg in order to continue as a non-profit industrial monument and cultural spaceship.
The preservation of MS Stubnitz depends on own and third-party funds. A fundraising campaign will run from December 2023 to November 2024. The seaworthy vessel can also be booked for special events. The MS Stubnitz is not only an industrial monument steeped in history, but also a vibrant place that carries cultural diversity on the waves of time.
