On 16 February 2026, Flensburger Shipyard officially marked the start of a forward looking research project: with the cutting of the first steel plate, construction began on the seagoing technology platform of the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
This so called steel cutting ceremony traditionally marks the beginning of production. In the coming months, Flensburg will build the 48 meter long and 11.5 meter wide hull of the research vessel. In addition to steel construction, key large scale components of the propulsion system, electrical systems, and maneuvering equipment will also be integrated.
The vessel is designed as a floating laboratory and will accommodate up to 20 people. Its operational area will primarily be the North Sea and Baltic Sea, where short and multi day test voyages will be conducted. The focus lies on climate friendly propulsion systems, hydrogen based energy solutions, autonomous navigation, and security and defense related technologies. Thanks to its modular design, different maritime systems can be flexibly integrated, tested, and replaced, a distinctive construction feature with strong future potential.
The hull is scheduled to be transferred to Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven in autumn 2026. There, final outfitting, interior completion, and final electrical integration will take place. Completion is planned for 2027, with Kiel as the home port.
Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven has been commissioned by DLR as the lead contractor for the overall project and has awarded the hull construction as a subcontract to Flensburger Shipyard.
This project creates a central research platform for maritime transformation. At the same time, it highlights Flensburger Shipyard’s expertise in advanced special shipbuilding and in the execution of complex research and development projects.
Photo: From left: Thorsten Rönner, Heinrich Rönner Group, Dr Edzard Brünner, Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven, Dr Gesa Ziemer, Head of Department at the DLR Institute of Maritime Systems and Technologies, Prof Sören Ehlers, Director of the DLR Institute of Maritime Systems and Technologies
Credit: DLR / Marianne Lins