Construction begins on new research vessel for German Aerospace Center

The German Aerospace Center (Deutsche Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) has commissioned Bremerhaven-based shipbuilder Lloyd Werft for the construction of a new research vessel.

Through the use of the new vessel, DLR aims to provide the maritime industry with a platform for collaborative research into innovative, climate-compatible propulsion technologies following its scheduled delivery in 2027.

The vessel was designed by Hamburg-based naval architecture firm Ship Design and Consult (SDC). Construction is now underway at Lloyd Werft's facilities.

The completed vessel will have a length of 48 metres, a beam of 11 metres, a draught of 3.2 metres, and accommodation for up to 20 people. It will primarily operate in the North Sea and Baltic Sea on test voyages lasting from one to several days.

The vessel will be homeported in Kiel, which is also where the DLR Institute of Maritime Energy Systems is located.

The construction of the new DLR research vessel costs approximately €36 million (US$37 million).