Year of construction: 1888 - originally the ship had a sails with 3 masts.
In 1936 the ship received its current main engine system during an extensive conversion and was electrified. The middle mast was replaced by a chimney.
Until 1966 the lightship was located in the Weser estuary under the name "Weser" as a floating navigation sign.
The name "Elbe 3" refers to the last location in the Elbe north-east of Neuwerk Island.
The lightfire consists only of the three lamps on the front mast.