Germany selects Emden for possible new naval base to open by mid-2030

Aerial view of Emden Port and the Große Seeschleuse lock, with vessels navigating the River Ems and industrial facilities along the waterfront. (Niedersachsen Ports)

The German Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 5 October 2026 that it signed a letter of intent to acquire the Knock and Rysumer Nacken port area in Emden, where the German Navy plans to establish a new base supporting operations in the North Sea, North Atlantic, and Arctic.

Emden previously hosted a naval base. A parliamentary response dated 16 May 1990 said its future had not yet been decided, although personnel reductions could not be ruled out. The base command was ultimately disbanded on 31 March 1997.

“The navy has not been in Emden for almost 30 years; now it is coming back,” German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said during a visit to the site on 5 October, according to the BMVg release.

Although the BMVg has announced its intention to acquire the port area, the letter of intent is not legally binding. With an agreement secured in principle, the MoD has begun the formal acquisition process with Niedersachsen Ports, the state-owned port operator. The purchase price will be determined only after detailed assessments and further planning, the BMVg press release said.