A next-gen research vessel for ocean sciences

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Seawork 15th - 17th June 2027	Speed@Seawork 14th June 2027	Seawork Conferences

The 28th edition of Europe’s largest commercial marine and workboat exhibition provides businesses the opportunity to showcase their services, equipment, vessels and supplies to an international audience.	Speed@Seawork on 14th June in Cowes offers a sector specific event that showcases fast vessels operating at high speed for security interventions and Search & Rescue.	Taking place at the annual Seawork Exhibition in Southampton, UK from 15–17 June 2027, Seawork Conferences deliver a varied programme of sessions featuring expert speakers addressing the latest topical issues in the commercial marine industry.
Visit the Seawork Website	Speed@Seawork on the Seawork Website	View on Seawork

A groundbreaking research vessel looks set to transform ocean sciences using advanced vessel propulsion and sustainable vessel build technologies.

The image shows a ship model of the new research vessel at sea

Source: DLR

The new vessel for DLR will be equipped with two Steerprop 14 CRP LM Azimuth propulsion units

German Aerospace Center (DLR) has commissioned Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven to construct a 48-metre research vessel designed as a floating laboratory for testing next-generation maritime energy systems.

The €36 million vessel will support real-world experiments in the North Sea and Baltic Sea, offering a unique platform for collaborative studies on climate-compatible propulsion and alternative fuels.

“This flagship project highlights the importance of maritime research in Germany and actively contributes to shaping the maritime energy transition. Both the Lloyd Werft workforce and the entire Rönner Group share this commitment,” said Friedrich Norden, managing director of Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven.

”This contract also demonstrates that Lloyd Werft is not only a strong project contributor in ship repair and conversion but also a key player in the construction of specialised vessels and complex custom-built structures.”

Advanced technology

The vessel build will integrate Steerprop’s new Contra-Rotating Propeller (CRP) azimuth propulsion units, its first commercial order for this next-generation technology.

Each Ice Class 1A-rated unit delivers 750 kW and features pressure lubrication, boosting mechanical efficiency to 98.5% and reducing fuel consumption. These propulsion advances will enable precise testing of hydrogen-based, battery-powered, and hybrid systems in authentic marine conditions.

Beyond propulsion trials, the research vessel will feature a digital twin for advanced simulations, a specially designed test engine room and instrumentation to measure load, torque and thrust.

Scheduled for completion in summer 2027, it will accommodate up to 20 researchers per voyage, driving innovation in ocean sciences and providing vital data to accelerate the maritime energy transition.