Pioneering Hydrodynamic Advancements
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Our Team
At Vienna Model Basin, our talented team is the core of our success. With diverse backgrounds and expertise, we foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and creativity. Emphasizing open communication, we tackle challenges and drive innovation together.
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Come on Board
Our greatest asset is our people, and we’re looking for talented individuals who share our passion for excellence.
Explore exciting career opportunities and make an impact in sustainable shipping and safety at sea.
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How It All Started
For over a century, the Vienna Model Basin has been a beacon of innovation in testing technology and standardization, addressing complex challenges with precision. Founded in 1912 under the auspices of the Austrian K.u.K. Navy, the basin was guided by the visionary Friedrich Gebers, who brought extensive expertise in designing and constructing towing tanks from Übigau and Berlin.
After the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Model Basin gained international acclaim, particularly for its cutting-edge measuring equipment and ship model basin designs. Although it faced setbacks during World War II, including a devastating bombing in 1945, the resilience of its former employees shone through. Under the leadership of Dr. Leopold Kretschmer, operations resumed in 1951, paving the way for revitalization and growth.
By the early 1960s, significant advancements followed, supported by the European Recovery Program. Today, the Vienna Model Basin is equipped to manufacture ship models from wood and paraffin, up to 10 meters long, complete with appendages and propellers, in both calm water and various sea states.
After Dr. Kretschmer's retirement in 1976, leadership transitioned to Prof. Dr. Gerhard Strasser, who has since modernized facilities with state-of-the-art technologies, including a cavitation tank in 1986 and a wind tunnel in 1995.
Since 2008 Dr. Clemens Strasser is shaping the future of the company.
While Austria's naval architecture sector may be niche, the Vienna Model Basin continues to thrive, competing with renowned model basins across Europe.
This enduring success is a testament to the commitment and expertise of our team, who uphold the pioneering principles established by Gebers and Kretschmer, delivering globally recognized experiments that drive the future of maritime innovation.