Construction of new research vessel on the way
Rendering of the methanol-powered Uthörn (Source: Fassmer/AWI)
Germany’s research centre Alfred Wegener Institute has placed an order with German yard Fr. Fassmer for the newbuilding of a 35.7m-long research vessel. Named Uthörn, it will replace the 1982-built vessel of the same name. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is supporting the construction with 14.45 million euros.
The vessel will have a new type of environmentally friendly methanol propulsion system. The methanol fuel, a type of alcohol, will provide power of 2 x 200 kW. The vessel will carry a wide range of scientific equipment including special winches, lifting devices, sensors and a modern laboratory facility with training capability.
Scientific testing on the new "Uthörn" is scheduled to begin during 2022. The main operational area of the new vessel will be the North Sea with a regional focus in the vicinity of the island station on Helgoland operated by AWI. For example, scientists study the nutrient and salt content, turbidity and temperature of seawater.
