FAQ - Interview with Dr. Gesa Ziemer
In an interview with Dr Gesa Ziemer, project manager for the new MODULARIS building and head of department at the DLR Institute of Maritime Technologies and Propulsion Systems
Platform for maritime technologies of the future
The MODULARIS technology platform developed by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) was launched for the first time on 17 September 2026 at the FSG Shipyard in Flensburg. This marks an important milestone for the project: the hull construction is complete, and work is now beginning on fitting out the platform with technical equipment.
Ship Launch of MODULARIS
Ship Launch of MODULARIS
The MODULARIS technology platform developed by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) was launched for the first time on 17 September 2026 at the FSG Shipyard in Flensburg. This marks an important milestone for the project: the hull construction is complete, and work is now beginning on fitting out the platform with technical equipment.
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An important day for the MODULARIS maritime research platform: the engines are being fitted into the hull.
Video: A wedding at the shipyard – the MODULARIS is fitted with its engines
Video: A wedding at the shipyard – the MODULARIS is fitted with its engines
An important day for the MODULARIS maritime research platform: the engines are being fitted into the hull.
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Tank top section of the seagoing technology platform
Today, another component was manufactured: a tank top – essentially the upper deck plate – for one of the foremost sections of the technology platform. Beneath this plate will later be the space for the bow thruster, i.e. the system that enables the technology platform to manoeuvre sideways. The cut-outs in the deck are known as manholes, which will be used to access the underlying sewage tanks and the foremost ballast water tank at a later
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Engine room floor section of the seagoing technology platform
This section of the seagoing technology platform constitutes the engine room floor. It is the forward part of an even larger section. It houses part of an anti-roll tank, a fresh-water tank and a number of empty compartments for cable and pipework routing.
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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
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.
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