German authorities are probing a major suspected sabotage plot involving the German Navy’s new corvette Emden, uncovered earlier this year in Hamburg.

The attempt was detected in early January 2025 during a routine pre-delivery inspection at the Blohm+Voss shipyard, part of the NVL Group. Inspectors discovered dozens of kilograms of metal shavings intentionally poured into the vessel’s propulsion and gearbox systems, including critical diesel engine components.

Investigators say the abrasive material would likely have caused catastrophic engine failure had the ship gone to sea, potentially crippling the corvette, delaying its commissioning for months or even years, and resulting in millions of euros in repair costs. The sabotage was uncovered just days before scheduled sea trials and the ship’s maiden voyage.