Floating laboratory for yacht components launched by IMR

International Maritime Research (IMR) is offering a platform to test innovative products and processes under real world conditions. The AZ project, a 30-metre yacht hull, will be available as a floating laboratory for research projects. Wrede Consulting will support the processes in an advisory capacity, while Wrede Technologies is responsible for the laboratory and metrological analyses. The company traditionally provides independent consulting for coatings, from new builds to refits, with specialisation in mega- and superyachts.

The AZ project, initiated by Kay-Johannes Wrede’s newly founded company IMR, currently comprises several research projects, funded in part by the German Federal Ministry of Economics (BMWI).

Among other things, it is concerned with the development of special heating technologies for modular composite components in shipbuilding. Another project involves an innovative coating for yacht hulls. This process is tested on one side of the hull against innovative filler technology on the other side of the hull. Other project ideas, for example for modular interior finishing, are in the planning stages.

A consortium of six international companies is involved in current project development. “The goal is to use IMR to become a driving force for innovation in the superyacht industry,” says Kay Wrede.