Research and Development

As a federal departmental research institution we undertake forward-looking research in addition to our work on current practice-related issues. We aim to identify new developments, opportunities and risks for the ship/waterway transport system at an early stage and to develop suitable recommendations for action.

We also tackle a wide range of issues in the environmental field. For example, we improve ecological connectivity at weirs by investigating the processes that hinder the ascent and descent of fish at damming structures. Other research projects are dedicated to green shipping, that is shipbuilding, propulsion and operational innovations designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in shipping.

Another major topic area is the development of new concepts for sustainable sediment management in rivers and estuaries. Natural data, numerical and physical models are helpful in understanding complex morphological, geotechnical and biogeochemical processes.

Last but not least, one of the key areas of our work is research into the impact and consequences of climate change and the development of appropriate measures and adaptation strategies for waterways in response to more frequent extreme events.