Freight sailing vessels are considered to have great potential for decarbonizing international shipping, because they can be operated in an economically reliable, technically safe and climate-protecting manner primarily through using wind power and an additional wind-independent energy supply.

The Federal Transport Ministry is funding the preparation of a feasibility study of a freight sailing vessel with alternative drives under the National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NIP2). Qualified research institutions can submit their project outlines as of now. The deadline is 30/09/2021.

The object of the outline process is to create the basis for the development and construction of freight sailing vessels with alternative drives. A feasibility study or a concept design is to be prepared with a view to developing and newly constructing a freight sailing vessel with an alternative drive. The concept design should be able to serve as a basis for a pilot application. The study should include the creation of verifiable drawings, calculations and model tests. The level of technical detail should be prepared in such a way as to fulfil the requirements of an ‘approval in principle’ by a classification society recognized by the German flag.

Download invitation to submit outlines (PDF, in German)