Oskar Teubert (born November 21, 1851, in Heilsberg, East Prussia) was a distinguished German hydraulic engineer who devoted his life to inland navigation. He studied civil engineering in Berlin and Karlsruhe, passing his final state exams in 1877.
Teubert dedicated his live to inland waterways. He made a name for himself through publications, including articles and memoranda—particularly on improving the navigability of rivers through regulation. He was one of the most respected figures in both Germany and abroad. He rarely missed a navigation congress, where he presented his engineering and transportation-related insights with great distinction.
In the period following the Second World War, a large portion of the units in German inland navigation that had been destroyed or damaged during the war had to be replaced. To this end, the Technical Committee of the Central Association for German Inland Navigation resumed its work, which had been interrupted by the war, and—working in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Transport—developed various standardised ship types adapted to specific canal dimensions.
A standard type motor vessel class with the dimensions 53m x 6,30m x 2,50m is named after Oskar Teubert. After the development was completed, construction specifications and line drawings were made available in order to enable the most uniform implementation possible of the ship type.
The ambition of AUTOFLEX to create a new standard for inland waterway vessels is rooted in the Oskar-Teubert-vessel. AUTOFLEX defines a new standard for inland shipping, tailored specifically for the operational and dimensional constraints of CEMT Class II waterways. Aiming for flexibility, automation, and efficient cargo handling
Oskar 2.0 is optimised for small inland waterways, with standard dimensions adapted to CEMT II class:
- Length: 50–60 meters
- Beam: Up to 6.6 meters
- Draft: Compatible with shallow water channels
The vessel’s propulsion system draws energy from modular energy containers, ZES Packs, which can be quickly exchanged thanks to standardised interface connections. Propulsion is provided by electric thrusters, i.e. azimuth pods and bow thrusters, allowing for high-precision manoeuvrability even in narrow or confined waterways.
Oskar 2.0 introduces a modern standard for small inland cargo transport, characterised by its transformation from a traditional bulk carrier to a fully containerised cargo platform. Its overall breadth has been increased to accommodate pallet-sized containers, enabling efficient loading and optimised use of deck space. The shift to automation not only reduces onboard crew requirements but also eliminates the need for conventional housing structures, creating additional room for energy storage.
Drawing inspiration from historical design principles, Oskar 2.0 meets the demands of modern inland vessels by building on well-established parameters and proven designs combined with modern technology.
