From a press release by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Cologne:

The German Aerospace Centre (DLR) is having a sea-going technology platform built for the Kiel site, which will serve as a floating laboratory for investigations into a wide range of research issues. These include climate-friendly propulsion systems, autonomous driving and security and defence research projects. On 16 February 2026, the first steel plate was cut at the FSG Shipyard in Flensburg, marking the official start of construction of the project. The ship will be 48 metres long and 11.5 metres wide and will be used primarily on the North Sea and Baltic Sea for test voyages lasting one to several days with a maximum of 20 people.

DLR is currently setting up the shore-based test infrastructure at its site in Kiel. It will enable the development and testing of maritime energy systems. The sensors on land and on the ship will enable researchers to collect comprehensive data. With this data, it is possible to use simulations to make statements about possible operating conditions.

"The platform is designed in such a way that different maritime systems can be modularly integrated and replaced. This design flexibility is exceptional internationally. It makes it possible to systematically test new technologies under real operating conditions and to further develop them towards certification capability and scalability at an early stage," said Dr Gesa Ziemer, Head of Department at the Institute of Maritime Technologies and Propulsion Systems.

After the first steel plate has been cut, the hull is manufactured piece by piece in Flensburg. All major components of the propulsion, electrical engineering and manoeuvring systems will be installed here. The shell is expected to be transferred to the Lloyd shipyard in Bremerhaven, which has been commissioned by the DLR to take the lead in the construction, in the autumn. The ship will be finalised there. The interior outfitting and completion of the electrical engineering will take place. After completion in 2027, the ship will have its home port in Kiel.

DLR, critical infrastructure and maritime security

One of the many institutes of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) is concerned with the protection of terrestrial infrastructures. In one of the institute's four departments, the "Resilience and Risk Methodology" department, models and methods are developed to strengthen the resilience of infrastructures against serious disruptions and ensure their function. At the same time, concepts are being developed to improve the security of critical facilities against attacks. This includes, in particular, the maritime infrastructure for underwater energy and data supply.

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