The hull of the MODULARIS technology platform has now been completed.
Its launch marks the start of the next construction and fitting-out phase.
In the coming weeks, MODULARIS will be towed to Bremerhaven for this very purpose.
In the future, new maritime technologies will be tested on MODULARIS under real conditions at sea.
Focus: Transport, mobility of the future, maritime research
The MODULARIS technology platform, operated by the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR), was launched for the first time at the FSG Shipyard in Flensburg on 17 September 2026. This marks an important milestone for the project: the hull is now complete, and the technical fitting-out of the platform can begin.
With MODULARIS, DLR is expanding its capacity to test new maritime technologies under real-world conditions and bring them into use more quickly. In doing so, we are strengthening the transfer of research findings, Germany's technological capacity to act and the future viability of the maritime sector.
Since the keel-laying, MODULARIS has taken on a distinct shape. In addition to the hull itself, important components have already been installed. These include the main engines, which ensure the vessel's propulsion even if test components fail, as well as a heat pump and the air conditioning system. Most of the doors, windows and stairs have also already been fitted.
Today's launch is a very special moment for our team. Behind us lie months of intensive work, during which the research platform gradually took shape, step by step, from plans and individual components. Now the next phase begins, in which we will technically fit out MODULARIS and prepare it for future use in research. My sincere thanks go to everyone who has made this journey possible with such great dedication.
Next step – fitting-out in Bremerhaven
In the coming weeks, MODULARIS will be towed to Bremerhaven (with the help of several tugboats via the Kiel Canal). At the Lloyd Werft shipyard there, the interior fitting-out and further technical outfitting will follow. This will include, among other things, additional propulsion systems for research purposes, sensor technology, communication and navigation systems, components for automation and a battery system. Step by step, the still largely empty ship will transform into a research platform for use at sea.
Research under real conditions
MODULARIS is a research vessel on which new maritime technologies will be tested under real operational conditions at sea. The focus is on, among other things, alternative energy and propulsion systems, sensor technology, automation and autonomous functions. The systems can be tested both individually and in combination.
On 14 September 2026, DLR opened new laboratory and office spaces with its own mooring facilities for MODULARIS. In future, this will enable research on land and testing at sea to be closely integrated. Once completed, MODULARIS will have its home port in Kiel.
