ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems has laid the keel at its Hamburg facility for the third of four 125-class frigates for the German Navy.

The frigate, also known as a Baden-Wurttemberg-class frigate, will be about 490 feet long, 61.8 feet in the beam and displace more than 7,200 tons. It will have a maximum speed of 26 knots and a range of 4,000 nautical miles.

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems leads a consortium building the vessels. Other members include Fr. Lürssen Werft, which manufactures pre-fitted bow sections, and Blohm+Voss Shipyards, which constructs the stern sections.

The four 125 class frigates will replace the German Navy's eight 122 Bremen class frigates. The first 125-class frigate will be delivered in 2016 and the last in 2019, the company said.

The keel laying took place at a ceremony last week and was attended by industry, military and government representatives.