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Lloyd-Werft: Research ship for emission-free shipping in Bremerhaven!
Lloyd-Werft is developing an emission-free research ship for sustainable shipping, funded with 6.25 million euros.
Lloyd-Werft: Research ship for emission-free shipping in Bremerhaven!
The future is being written in Bremerhaven! The renowned Lloyd shipyard has been awarded the contract to build a new research vessel that focuses on emission-free propulsion. In a world where the maritime industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its emissions, this project could be a catalyst for more sustainable shipping. A total of around 6.25 million euros will flow into the project, with 67% being funded by the federal government and 33% by the state of Bremen Weser courier reported.
The innovative ship will be around 48 meters long and 11.5 meters wide. It will be used in both the North and Baltic Seas and will be able to accommodate 20 people on board. It has already made waves in the maritime community; Managing director Thorsten Rönner emphasizes that this research ship will serve as a test platform for alternative propulsion technologies. The focus here is on solutions such as hydrogen and battery-powered systems. Completion of the ship is planned for the summer of 2027, although the project began with the signing of the contract on February 3, 2025 ( DLR ).
Need for action in the maritime industry
The ship will not only include a dedicated test machine for hydrogen and battery-powered propulsion systems, but will also offer the opportunity to test non-certified components. This will enable companies and institutions to develop new solutions to advance the maritime energy transition. The use of a digital twin also enables extensive computer simulations to optimize the use of the ship.
The challenges of the transition
But despite all the euphoria, the industry faces challenges. The production of alternative fuels such as hydrogen, methanol and ammonia is currently still expensive and not available in sufficient quantities. It also requires a comprehensive infrastructure, which often does not yet exist. At a time when governments, environmental organizations and consumers are demanding more and more environmentally friendly solutions, the industry is required to evolve ( Emobil Magazine ).
Although there are a few positive examples of the use of alternative drives - such as the methanol-based research ship “Uthörn II” or the passenger ferries in Norway with green hydrogen - the road to complete climate neutrality is long and bumpy. Regulations, high investment costs and technical complexity don’t always make it easy. It is all the more crucial that stakeholders from industry, governments and scientists work hand in hand to shape the maritime future sustainably. Bremerhaven, with Lloyd-Werft at the helm, could take a leading role here.