Last year, on the 27th November 2025, Propulsion and Future Fuels delegates were invited to visit the Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services (CML) for an exclusive technical tour. The programme offered valuable insights into cutting-edge maritime research and innovation.
Delegates enjoyed a coffee on arrival and an introductory presentation, followed by the following demonstrations. The demonstrations lasted 10-15 minutes each and were delivered in English.
Radio and bridge laboratory
The radio and bridge laboratory at the Fraunhofer CML combines two things in one: the antenna system and the classed bridge system, which makes the research building technically a real seagoing vessel – the stone ship in the middle of Harburg’s inland port.
Ship navigation simulator
A concept for an autonomous merchant ship was the starting point for the development of a range of technologies that have since been further developed and tested using the CML’s ship simulators.
Examples of mobile robotics
High-Precision Measurement Technology and Sensors for Automated Processes and Robotics.
Previous Tours
In 2024 the Propulsion & Future Fuels Technical visit took place at DNV.
DNV welcomed Propulsion & Future Fuel delegates to their Hamburg office for an in-depth exploration
of digital twin technology, featuring a mix of presentations, live demonstrations, and discussions on its transformative potential. Following a welcome by Rasmus Stute, Dr. Pierre Sames highlighted the central role of digital twins in DNV’s services, while Claudia Ohlmeier’s tour of DNV’s operation centre offered a real-world view of their application. Presentations by André Kauffeldt and Claas Rostock showcased how digital twins enhance decarbonisation, safety, and secure collaboration across industries.
The event concluded with future-focused sessions on autonomous navigation and simulation assurance, led by Cesar de Carvalho and Claas Rostock, followed by an engaging Q&A with Sergey Gribanov. Key takeaways included the technology’s power to optimise design, construction, and operations, as well as the need for trustworthy, collaborative environments. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of digital twins’ growing role in shaping safer, smarter, and more sustainable industries; a journey DNV continues to drive forward. You can read more here.