Intro

Reliable, safe and environmentally-friendly transport is a fundamental prerequisite for a competitive economy and for the economic prosperity of Germany and Europe. Within the overall transport system, inland navigation takes on a significant role. Due to its system advantages of capacity, safety and energy efficiency as well as low external costs, it is indispensable for a sustainable transport.

By intelligently linking the modes of transport inland navigation can make valuable contributions to eliminating bottlenecks, especially in the road and rail modes, and help to strengthen the overall system and reduce transport-induced emissions. Technical innovations and digitalisation have a major part to play in this respect.

Research has contributed significantly to the successful development and positioning of inland navigation for the economy and society, and the DST has been developing innovative solutions to increase the efficiency and competitiveness of vessels for around 65 years. Special attention is paid to the shallow water conditions prevailing in inland navigation and the challenges they present. Other issues include, for example, fleet modernisation, the development of intermodal transport, logistics and handling concepts, offshore wave and tidal power plants, and the ship-handling simulator SANDRA.

The DST currently employs 37 people, 30 of whom are scientists. The centre’s strategic goal is a staffing level of approximately 40 employees, which is to be achieved in the next few years.