Aktuell

• 27.08.2026

The research vessel NOVA, developed by the University of Duisburg-Essen and the Development Centre for Ship Technology and Transport Systems (DST), set off from Düsseldorf on Thursday, 27 August 2026, bound for the World Port Days in Rotterdam. Transport Minister Oliver Krischer and the Netherlands’ Consul General in Düsseldorf, Hannah Tijmes, gave the signal for the vessel’s departure together with Duisburg’s First Deputy Mayor, Edeltraud Klabuhn, and duisport CEO Markus Bangen.

On her way to Rotterdam, NOVA will make a number of stops, bringing together representatives from academia, industry and public administration. Specialist events and discussions will focus on automated and, in the longer term, autonomous navigation, new propulsion technologies and modern port infrastructure. Together, participants will explore how inland shipping can become more climate-friendly, safer, more resilient and more competitive.

Transport Minister Oliver Krischer said: “The Rhine and the Meuse connect North Rhine-Westphalia and the Netherlands – and with them some of Europe’s most important economic centres and ports. We can therefore only shape the future of our waterways by working together. NOVA takes research directly onto the Rhine and combines technological innovation with dialogue between academia, industry and policymakers. This is exactly the kind of cross-border exchange we need to make inland shipping more sustainable, resilient and digital.”

Hannah Tijmes, the Netherlands’ Consul General in Düsseldorf, said: “The Netherlands and North Rhine-Westphalia have a long history of close cross-border cooperation in transport, logistics and mobility. In view of the challenges we currently face, this exchange is more important than ever. NOVA’s journey demonstrates how we can work together to develop new solutions for sustainable, future-ready inland shipping.”

Automated navigation under real-world conditions

The 15-metre NOVA is battery-electric and equipped with a solar power system. Researchers from the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) and DST use the vessel to investigate how ships can operate in automated and, in the longer term, autonomous modes under real-world conditions. To do this, NOVA must be able to perceive her surroundings, detect other vessels and waterway users, adjust her course and speed, and safely carry out complex manoeuvres. At the same time, the researchers are studying how different operating strategies affect energy consumption. The digital infrastructure along the route will also be examined during the voyage, including measurements of network coverage as a prerequisite for communication and remote vessel operation.

Dr Jens Neugebauer, Director of UDE’s Institute for Sustainable and Autonomous Maritime Systems (INAM), explains: “Highly automated navigation can help address the shortage of skilled workers in inland shipping. At the same time, automation offers an opportunity to make shipping safer, more efficient and more sustainable. During the journey to Rotterdam, we can discuss these issues directly with the people working in a wide range of areas to shape the future of our waterways.”

During the World Port Days from 4 to 6 September, the researchers will open NOVA to visitors as a floating research platform, offering an insight into research on automated and electric navigation on the Rhine.

NOVA Tour de Rotterdam: stops at a glance

• 27 August: Düsseldorf – launch event and departure from the Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport
• 31 August: Arnhem – smart shipping, port development and the energy transition
• 1 September: IJzendoorn – the inland vessel of the future: clean, climate-resilient and autonomous
• 2 September: Dordrecht – remote-controlled and autonomous navigation
• 3 September: voyage from Dordrecht to Rotterdam
• until 6 September: Rotterdam – NOVA at the World Port Days

Further Information

The State of North Rhine-Westphalia has provided €1.17 million in funding for the development of NOVA through its Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport. The project involves INAM, UDE’s Chair of Mechatronics and DST, an affiliated institute of the University of Duisburg-Essen and a member of the Johannes Rau Research Association (JRF).

Academic contact at UDE
Dr Jens Neugebauer, Institute for Sustainable and Autonomous Maritime Systems (INAM), jens.neugebauer@uni-due.de