The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is set to advance the testing of next-generation maritime propulsion technologies with a new research vessel powered by AQUBE, the high-power energy storage platform from Lehmann Marine. Shipbuilder Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven has selected the battery system for the landmark project, with the vessel scheduled for delivery in 2027.
Measuring 48 metres in length and 11.5 metres in width, the new seagoing technology platform will provide a real-world environment for testing climate-neutral propulsion systems. Hydrogen, hybrid and fully electric technologies are among the systems expected to be evaluated during operations, helping bridge the gap between controlled laboratory testing and trials at sea.
The vessel will be capable of carrying up to 20 researchers and industry partners on multi-day voyages, including operations in the demanding conditions of the North and Baltic Seas. As the maritime sector continues to pursue lower-emission solutions, the platform is intended to support the development and validation of technologies under genuine operating conditions.
AQUBE has been developed for demanding marine applications where high power, thermal management and safety are critical. The system can deliver up to 2C peak power and 1.5C continuous power, supporting the rapid energy demands associated with vessel manoeuvring and onboard testing equipment. Its liquid-cooling architecture is designed to maintain optimal operating temperatures during sustained high-power use, while its Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry offers high thermal stability and avoids the use of cobalt.
The project also represents an important step in the commercial development of AQUBE and follows Lehmann Marine becoming part of Sunlight Group. Combining specialised marine engineering expertise in Germany with Sunlight Group’s manufacturing and research and development capabilities in Xanthi, Greece, the company is aiming to provide European shipbuilders with a strengthened and more localised supply chain.
“Building on the success of our air-cooled CUBE platform and the proven liquid-cooling heritage of COBRA, AQUBE takes our technology to the next level for demanding marine applications. Securing our first AQUBE contract for a national floating lab of this calibre is a major validation. It proves that our battery architecture is ready to power not just research vessels but the broader commercial fleet – from ferries and offshore vessels to cargo ships and tankers.”
– Matthias Schubert, Head of Sales and Marketing at Lehmann Marine.
Once delivered, the DLR technology platform is expected to provide an important testing environment for the future of maritime propulsion, enabling researchers and industry partners to assess emerging technologies during extended voyages and under challenging conditions at sea. The project highlights the growing role of advanced energy storage systems in supporting the shipping industry’s transition towards more sustainable operations.
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