The Horns Rev is the world’s oldest motor lightship. It was built in 1912 by Burmeister & Wain in Copenhagen, Denmark, and was originally named Motorfyrskibet Nr. I. It was designed to be a more powerful and maneuverable replacement for the older sailing lightships that were then in use.

A lightship, also called a lightvessel, is a ship that acts as a lighthouse. They are used in waters that are too deep or otherwise unsuitable for lighthouse construction. Lightships are typically anchored in place and equipped with a powerful light that can be seen for miles around. They also often have foghorns and bells to warn ships of their presence.
The Horns Rev was equipped with a 400 horsepower diesel engine, which gave it a top speed of 12 knots. It also had a range of 2,000 nautical miles, which allowed it to stay at its station for long periods of time.

The Horns Rev was first stationed at the Horns Rev reef, off the coast of Denmark. This is a dangerous area for shipping, as the reef is shallow and there are strong currents. The Horns Rev lightship helped to guide ships safely through this area.
In 1932, the Horns Rev was moved to the Vyl reef, off the coast of Germany. It served here until 1965, when it was decommissioned. In 1990, the Horns Rev was restored and opened as a museum in Esbjerg, Denmark. It is now the world’s oldest and best preserved motor lightship. The museum tells the story of the lightship and its role in maritime safety.

The Horns Rev is a fascinating and important piece of maritime history. It is a reminder of the dangers of the sea and the importance of lighthouses and lightships in keeping ships safe. It is also a testament to the ingenuity and engineering skills of the people who built it.

According to the Internet