February 28: The construction of the four corvettes for the South African Navy was started. On this occasion, the new laser welding and cutting plant was commissioned by the South African Admiral Kamerman, who pressed the button to start the cutting of the first plate for the South African corvette. The new laser welding and cutting plant is the first one worldwide with which approx. 90 % of the entire steel for a ship can be welded and cut.

With acknowledgements to Blohm+Voss GmbH.