An item reported that the Neptun shipyard at Rostock, East Germany started with the building of 3,000 ton cargo ships for the Soviet Union as was reparations. Not earlier as in May 1954 was the first ship handed over caused by lacking steel-plate and faults in the engines and auxilairy turbines. Two ships were to retain by East Germany, two others were transferred to Bulgaria, the others numbering at least 20 were before the end of 1954 to be handed over to the Soviet Union. In October 1954 however ordered the Soviet Union that eight of the ships were to be converted into fire fighting ships or Schwimmbrandwachen as the East German Main Administration for Shipbuilding classified these ships. Until now was nothing done. A special Soviet commission arrived in the end of 1954 at Rostock to supervise the reconstruction which started in February 1954 while pressing the delivery of at least two but if possible four ships that year. There was however considerable doubt about these ships lacking derricks, loading winches (except for a small personal luggage one), hatches and holds. To be fitted out with radar and a very large crew numbering 9-12 officers and 369 men. Possible it were troop transports or auxiliary naval vessels. Regarded the size of the crew probably the latter purpose.
Source
Website Royal Australian Navy, Sea Power Centre.
