Germany’s New Floating Lab MODULARIS To Test Future Autonomous Ship Tech, Propulsion Systems

German Aerospace Center (DLR) celebrated the keel-laying of a tech platform named MODULARIS, which will function as a floating laboratory focusing on climate-compatible propulsion systems, autonomous technologies, security and defence.

The platform will allow first-time testing of novel and uncertified navigational, energy and other communication systems to accelerate development and mass production.

“New energy, navigation, and communication systems can in future be integrated, tested and brought to certification readiness more quickly under real operating conditions,” said Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chair of the DLR Executive Board.

Pyzalla added that by doing so, they are building security, resilience and technological sovereignty in Europe and Germany.

He also invited partners from industry, business and the government to test these maritime technologies with DLR.

The research team will also test new kinds of fuel cells, batteries, sensors and AI systems along with fuels like methanol, ammonia and hydrogen, for which the ship will be fitted with an experimental engine room.

The platform will support the deployment and testing of new types of drones.

DLR is also refurbishing and expanding its Kiel facility with a new office, research centre, and lab spaces with direct access to water, which are being constructed on the MaK Campus.

The ship will be 48 m long, 11.5 m wide and accommodate 20 researchers, with voyages planned mainly in the North Sea, Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean.