Germany and the EU Risk Falling Behind in Maritime Transport — With Devastating Consequences for Prosperity and Security

Germany’s maritime sector stands at a critical juncture, with industry leaders warning that without decisive political action, the country risks missing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen its strategic position in global shipping and port operations.

The German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM) and IG Metall Küste issued a joint warning during a press conference in Hamburg, stating that rising demand driven by energy transitions, defense needs, and sustainable technology could be undermined by structural challenges including workforce shortages and insufficient policy support.

Reinhard Lüken, managing director of VSM, acknowledged the European Commission’s recently unveiled maritime industry strategy as a recognition of shipbuilding and marine technology’s role in Europe’s economic security and technological sovereignty, but emphasized that the strategy alone would not deliver tangible benefits without concrete actions from EU member states.

Lüken argued that Germany must now translate the EU policy framework into practical measures that strengthen the entire maritime value chain, calling for a decisive national action plan to bolster shipbuilding and marine technology as strategic assets for Germany and Europe.

IG Metall Küste highlighted labor concerns as a critical issue, with district head Daniel Friedrich noting that while German shipyards have strong order books and many are planning to expand employment, the industry must improve collaboration across shipyards and suppliers while addressing an emerging shortage of skilled workers.

Friedrich specifically emphasized that attracting younger workers, particularly women, will be key to maintaining competitiveness in the face of evolving industry demands.

These warnings come amid broader concerns about Germany’s port competitiveness, as seaports face declining freight traffic volumes that have dropped to levels not seen in two decades due to weakening competitiveness, structural issues, insufficient modernization of transport infrastructure — particularly railways — and inadequate digitalization and automation.

German ports are losing customers both domestically and internationally to rivals in neighboring countries, including North Sea ports such as Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, and Amsterdam; Baltic Sea ports like Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Klaipėda; and even Adriatic Sea ports including Trieste and Koper.

The situation is further complicated by the Energiewende, which envisions transforming ports into energy hubs, presenting additional challenges for port operators already struggling with modernization and investment needs.

Despite these challenges, German merchant shipping remains a vital component of national economic strength and supply security, with nearly 290 shipping companies based in Germany operating a fleet of 1,764 ships and a gross tonnage of 47.4 million — ranking Germany seventh among the world’s leading merchant shipping nations.

The German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) reports that around 62 percent of German exports and 60 percent of imports are handled by sea, underscoring the essential role of a functioning maritime trade and competitive merchant fleet for Germany’s export-driven economy.

Germany’s merchant fleet secures approximately 500,000 jobs in the maritime industry and serves as a vital transport link during crises, ensuring the supply of essential goods, raw materials, and energy to the Federal Republic.

VDR President Gaby Bornheim emphasized that without a strong and independent merchant fleet, there is neither economic stability nor national security, particularly as geopolitical and trade policy risks continue to increase in turbulent times.

In March 2026, the European Commission adopted two strategies aimed at driving competitiveness, sustainability, security, and resilience within the EU’s wider waterborne sector, including ports, shipping, and shipbuilding, providing a policy framework that national governments must now implement through targeted investment and reform.

Industry leaders stress that realizing the full potential of Germany’s maritime sector requires not only addressing immediate workforce and infrastructure gaps but also establishing clear political priorities and stronger policy support to prevent the country from falling behind in a rapidly evolving global maritime landscape.