COP27: DLR to test new fuel technologies onboard research vessel and digital twin

German maritime researcher DLR Institute of Maritime Energy System plans to roll out a first research vessel by 2025 and will use it as a testbed to evaluate new fuel technologies in real-world conditions.

PHOTO: DLR's digital twin simulator. DLR Institute

DLR has already received initial funding from the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action to develop technologies for the decarbonisation of shipping.

It plans to test new energy systems such as fuel cells, energy storage systems and carbon capture technologies onboard the research vessel. The company is also working on concepts to scale up green fuel bunkering capacity.

A virtual ship known as the digital twin will enable new technologies and concepts to be tested in a simulated environment.

In August, the German government allocated €30 million/year ($30 million) in funding to promote projects that seek to develop technologies for zero-emission vessels. The funds will be dispersed until 2026.

By Nithin Chandran

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online