Our priorities

Competitiveness – the same rules for everyone

A large proportion of the world’s goods are transported by sea. Germany’s prosperity is substantially based on its successful export economy. As a business location, Germany is therefore dependent on an innovative and competitive maritime industry. The competitive situation on the world market has changed considerably over the past ten years, and the flow of goods on global markets has changed significantly.

Having uniform rules for everyone at an international level is therefore of central importance. When trade barriers impede the exchange of goods and services or state intervention unilaterally favours or discriminates against actors, this distorts international competition. Location factors such as legal certainty, infrastructure, wage costs and training levels also have an impact. Only if market participants have access to sources of finance can they invest in innovative technologies. We participate in the development of fair standards.

Sustainability and climate change – responsibility for the environment

Integrated thinking about the economy and environment are the order of the day at the German Maritime Centre. The maritime sector has a huge responsibility for environmental and climate protection. Climate change and its implications directly affect the maritime sector: it must adapt to changing sea levels and extreme weather events. Considerable investment will be required in coastal protection, port access and facilities.

The maritime sector is facing the challenge of minimising the negative impact of its own activities on the environment and climate. The market and environmental regulations require and demand sustainable solutions to rapidly reduce emissions from maritime transport. For this purpose, innovative ideas for propulsion technology and energy sources are needed.

Technological change – into the future with high tech

The position of the German maritime industry on the global market depends on maintaining and expanding its innovation potential. The development of new technologies, for example, in the fields of marine propulsion, production processes and safety systems, is essential.

Whether we’re talking about blockchain, big data or AI applications: digitalisation is elevating the maritime sector to a new technological level. The increase in data-based networking can offer enormous advantages for the transport and logistics sector – financially, temporally and ecologically. Autonomous shipping is opening up new prospects in terms of efficiency and safety. Manufacturing processes such as 3D printing are revolutionising production, while alternative energy sources are advancing the issue of sustainability. Integration into the global platform economy is also changing business models in the industry.

Maritime sovereignty and maritime expertise can guarantee Germany as a business location. If it is to maintain this leading position, the country needs to intensify its research activities and speed up the implementation of results in practice – an essential element of the German federal government’s maritime strategy.

Demography and securing young talent – investing in fine minds

The maritime industry is diverse, international and future-oriented. It offers a range of training and career opportunities for young people and qualified, committed people.

Digitalisation and automation are also changing work processes at sea and on land. New skills are in demand – a challenge that is being intensified by demographic developments and the shortage of skilled workers.

Mechanical engineering, ship design, nautical science, ship operation technology, ship electronics, computer science, logistics; pilots, ship brokers, inspectors, shipping merchants, naval personnel – these are just a few of the numerous maritime training courses and occupational fields. The maritime sector offers school leavers and graduates, but also those who want to change careers, top-class jobs with interesting activities worldwide – it promises technically demanding work with responsibility for people and values.