Location & getting there

The institute's main site is located in Geesthacht, south-east of Hamburg. Founded in 2020, the Institute of Maritime Energy Systems became the first DLR research facility in Schleswig-Holstein. Scientists there are working on innovative technologies to decarbonise shipping and move away from conventional energy supply based on carbon-containing fossil fuels in maritime transport.

Since its relocation in January 2024, the DLR Institute has been located at Düneberger Straße 108 in Geesthacht. This is where infrastructures are being set up to test the new energy systems to be developed, initially in standardised laboratory environments and later under real conditions on a research vessel, which is currently in the procurement process.

The institute also opened a branch office in Kiel in June 2024. Large-scale research and testing facilities are planned here, including storage facilities for alternative fuels, hybrid drives, test stands for fuel cells and batteries as well as special measuring and testing stands. Scientists will be able to develop emission-reducing systems and components under laboratory conditions and continuously adapt them to future conditions before they are tested on the research vessel and then integrated into ship and harbour operations. These facilities will also enable companies in particular to test the feasibility of new systems and technologies at an early stage and at low cost.