On 17 September, the hull of the “Modularis” was launched at the FSG Shipyard in Flensburg. Over the coming weeks, the platform will be towed via the Kiel Canal to Bremerhaven. There, interior fitting-out and technical outfitting will take place at the Lloyd Werft shipyard. Once completed in 2027, its home port is to be Kiel.
The “Modularis” is designed as a floating laboratory, not as a traditional research vessel with a fixed programme. It is also intended to be used for testing components that have not yet been certified. Redundant safety and control systems provide the necessary framework for this.
Test facility for drive systems and automation
Up to 20 people can work on board. Missions of up to seven days are planned in the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean. The German Aerospace Centre (DLR) intends to test fuel cells, batteries, sensor technology and automation systems.
Methanol, ammonia and hydrogen are also being assessed as potential energy sources. The A comparison of electric, hybrid and fuel cell powertrains shows why range, storage requirements and infrastructure vary significantly depending on the concept.
Digital twin of the “Modularis”
A digital twin of the platform is intended to complement the tests: the virtual model enables simulations and the analysis of data collected during operations. Furthermore, ‘Modularis’ can integrate unmanned systems such as drones.
According to the DLR, the main engines, heat pump and air-conditioning system have already been fitted following the launch of the “Modularis”. Prof. Sören Ehlers, Director of the DLR Institute of Maritime Technologies and Propulsion Systems, regards the launch as a transition to the outfitting phase.
The following also demonstrates how alternative energy concepts are proving their worth outside the laboratory: Energy Observer, powered by hydrogen, batteries and its own energy generation. The “Modularis” is designed to systematically provide precisely such findings under sea conditions in future.
Which technology should be tested first on the Modularis under real-world maritime conditions: batteries, fuel cells, methanol or automated systems?
Christian Tiedt
Editor Travel
