Newbuild Log

A Modular Research Vessel for an emission-free maritime future

The DLR research vessel currently under construction is the crystallisation point on which all technological developments suitable for a maritime application are focused. Our research vessel allows for the continuous integration of necessary and non-exclusive systems to develop safe and economic technological solutions for the maritime customers.

With our research vessel we are providing the maritime industry with a platform for the development, integration, testing and certification of resource-saving maritime systems. With this world-wide unique and modular research platform we contribute to the advancement of waterborne transportation through resource saving and digitalized systems.

Until the delivery of the vessel we will update this page regularly with insights into the design, build process and into application cases and analysis.

For inquiries about the ship, please feel free to contact us using the contact form at the bottom of the page.

News

05. Juni 2025

05.06.2025, Bremerhaven

How a research vessel is built

In the magazine aktiv im Norden, Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven describes the steps being taken to prepare and push ahead with the construction of the research vessel. Design details have to be finalised and transferred to the computer-based 3D model...

May 13, 2025

May 13, 2025

Official launch of the newbuild project - DLR meets with Lloyd's Register, BG Verkehr and SDC

DLR met with representatives of the classification society Lloyd's Register, SDC Ship Design & Consult GmbH and the Berufsgenossenschaft Verkehrswirtschaft Post-Logistik Telekommunikation for the German flag in Hamburg. Cooperation with the classification society and the flag authority is of central importance for the successful construction of the research vessel.

March 31, 2025

Credit:

Medien&Meer | Bärbel Fening

Podcast episode in TECHNIK UND MEER

In the fascinating marine technology podcast, Institute Director Prof Dr Sören Ehlers reports on what the research vessel will be investigating, what systems and components it contains and how it is itself an object of research. (in German)

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

Lloyd's Register takes over certification of DLR modular research vessel

Lloyd's Register was commissioned by Lloyd Werft on 21 March to certify the DLR research vessel. Due to the modular design of the ship, the classification society, Lloyd Werft and the Institute of Maritime Energy Systems are already working closely together.

February 21, 2025

First project meeting

DLR and Lloyd Werft met in Bremerhaven for the first time as a large group to kick off the project and to familiarise themselves with the future cooperation.

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

DLR awards contract for new research ship to Lloyd Werft

DLR has commissioned Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven to build a new research vessel, with both parties signing the contract on 3 February 2025. The vessel is scheduled for completion in summer 2027.

February 3, 2025

Signing of the contract

DLR and Lloyd Werft have finalised all agreements for the construction of the research vessel and signed a corresponding contract.