In 2006 the Bundestag voted for a new emergency tow vessel that should replace the Oceanic which was commissioned in 1969. The Nordic should be able to work in hazardous explosive atmosphere. She is the first emergency tow vessel to be deployed at disasters where poisonous and explosive particles are leaking.

The demands for the new tugboat were: 19.5 knots top speed, 200 tons bollard pull and deployable in hazardous environment. The consortium Küstenschutz (coast guard) was awarded. This consortiums was founded in 2001 by the companies Bugsier, Fairplay, Urag and Wiking Helikopter.

Nordic will mainly take over the duties of the more than 40 years old Oceanic: help out disabled vessels until a salvage vessel takes over and so protect the German shores against any kind of catastrophes.