Platform for maritime technologies of the future

Newbuild Log

Building a ship is not an everyday task, even for DLR. Here we want to show the progress of the project and document milestones in the construction of the technology platform.

The DLR ship currently under construction is a sea-going technology platform - a place where maritime systems can be developed and tested under real conditions. The installations and systems on board take centre stage; they themselves are the object of research.

On this modular platform, safety-relevant maritime systems can be developed, integrated, tested and certified under realistic conditions - from energy supply and propulsion to sensor technology and automation through to assistance and safety systems. In this way, we bundle technological expertise for resilient, economical and future-proof solutions in the maritime sector.

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

Animation: Future Technology Platform
Currently, a unique Technology Platform is being built. It will serve as a floating laboratory to test and further develop climate-friendly propulsion systems, for example based on hydrogen and batteries. The ship is 48 metres long and twelve metres wide, and will carry a maximum of 20 people for test trips lasting one to several days, primarily on the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Once completed, the ship will have its home port in Kiel.

Animation: Future Technology Platform

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Animation: Future Technology Platform
Currently, a unique Technology Platform is being built. It will serve as a floating laboratory to test and further develop climate-friendly propulsion systems, for example based on hydrogen and batteries. The ship is 48 metres long and twelve metres wide, and will carry a maximum of 20 people for test trips lasting one to several days, primarily on the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Once completed, the ship will have its home port in Kiel.

News

02. February 2026

February 16, 2026

Construction begins on DLR's seagoing technology platform

DLR is currently building a unique seagoing technology platform. As a floating laboratory, it will serve to investigate a wide range of research questions.

02. December 2025

Production Planning

The first meeting on production planning took place with Flensburger Schiffbau Gesellschaft, Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven, Lloyd's Register, Ship Design & Consult GmbH and DLR. During a tour, we were able to see where the ship will be built next year. Following agreements with FSG and LWB regarding acceptance and the construction supervision process, we are looking forward to the start of construction.

10. November 2025

November 10, 2025

One ship, two systems: How the Technology Platform conducts research flexibly and sails safely

The Technology Platform combines two systems in one: a basic system consisting of a proven, market-ready energy supply, which is part of the construction concept for the delivery of the ship, and a highly flexible and modular research system, which allows scientists to research new types of energy components and fuels in real ship operation.

11. August 2025

August 11, 2025

Das DLR stellt maritime Forschungsthemen auf der SAiL Bremerhaven vor

Vom 13. bis 17. August 2025 findet die SAiL in Bremerhaven statt. Das internationale Treffen der Windjammer gehört zu den größten maritimen Veranstaltungen der Welt. Schiffe aus über 16 Nationen nehmen teil. Das DLR stellt auf der Wissenschaftsmeile im Fischereihafen seine Themen der maritimen Forschung vor.

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

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.