The DST is a research institute with more than 60 years of experience in the areas of inland and coastal shipping and transport systems. Key elements of the DST business are the investigation of the special flow conditions at restricted depths and the support of the inland navigation sector in the development and modernization of vessels. Furthermore, issues of traffic engineering and logistics as well as transport economics are in focus. Since 2008 the DST runs a ship handling simulator developed specifically for the education and training of boat masters and for processing shallow water-related projects. The assessment and enhancement of traffic safety as well as economic reasons result in an increasing significance of simulators for inland navigation. In addition, marine energy plants as well as many other special projects are dealt with at DST.