The Hessen was one of the old battleships that Germany was allowed to keep after World War I. After its service as a training ship from 1925 - 1934 the ship was rebuild as a target ship between 1935 and 01.04.1937. All of its guns and engines were removed and the hull was enlarge with a new bow about 11,70 meters. Its superstructures were cut of, only a funnel and a command tower were left. The engines were replaced with a completely automatic, remote controlled turbine set that allowed the ship to be operated without a crew on board. For longer transfers however, a crew of 80 could stay on board of the ship.

Between 1937 and 1945, the Hessen was used as a target for several major Kriegsmarine warships, and although its superstructure was often damaged in this role, those were only minor and secondary damaged that did not inflict the ships operational status.

The ship survived the war without being damaged by the allies and was taken over by the Soviets. On 02.01.1946 the Hessen left Wilhelmshaven and arrived in Libau six days later. On 03.06.1946 it was renamed to Tsel and served as a target ship in the Baltic fleet until the mid 1950, when it was broken down.