VDR Calls for More Protection for Maritime Trade Routes

Geopolitical tensions currently pose a significant challenge for international maritime trade. In particular, the situation in the Persian Gulf has worsened since the onset of the Iran War at the end of February. Currently, more than 2,000 merchant vessels with around 20,000 seafarers are blocked in the region, including at least 50 ships from German shipping companies. The only safe exit from the Gulf leads through the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently considered unsafe. Reports indicate that around 20 merchant ships have already been attacked, resulting in injuries and fatalities among the seafarers.

“The Iran War highlights the close connection between geopolitical conflicts and global supply chains,” stated Gaby Bornheim, President of the Association of German Shipowners (VDR), during the annual press conference in Hamburg. She emphasized the strategic importance of protecting maritime trade for Germany, particularly as an export nation, and expressed her thoughts for the seafarers working under difficult conditions. Martin Kröger, Managing Director of the VDR, added that the federal government must carefully weigh possible measures in this critical situation to ensure the safety of maritime trade routes and crews.

Germany’s Merchant Fleet in International Comparison

Germany’s merchant fleet remains one of the largest in the world, currently comprising 1,716 ships with a gross tonnage (GT) of 46.7 million. This places Germany seventh in the international ranking, behind countries such as Greece and China. Particularly noteworthy is the rise of the German container fleet, which, with 30.4 million GT, now ranks second worldwide, surpassing China with 30.2 million GT. Only Switzerland, with 41.2 million GT, remains ahead of Germany.

Kröger referred to the merchant fleet as a “strategic treasure” that not only ensures the supply of the economy and population but also enables military and humanitarian missions if necessary.

Proposal to Strengthen Maritime Competence

To ensure the operational capability of the merchant fleet in crisis situations, the VDR proposes the establishment of a naval service as part of the new military service. This naval service aims to help build a civilian maritime reserve, whose members can contribute to maintaining sea supply in emergencies. At the same time, the naval service offers young people the opportunity to gain practical experience on board and acquire training content that can be credited towards future vocational training.

Kröger emphasized the need for a larger national personnel base to be prepared for crisis situations. The naval service could also serve as a civilian alternative to military service should it become mandatory again. The VDR also advocates for building on proven practices that were in place until the suspension of conscription in 2011, when active seafarers could be deferred from military service due to their indispensability.

Positive Development of Recruitment Numbers in Shipping

The industry is also seeing an increase in new entrants. In 2023, the number of new entrants at sea rose from 418 to 537, representing an increase of nearly 30 percent and the highest figure since 2012. There is particularly strong interest in the nautical and technical officer careers as well as in training to become a ship mechanic.

“The positive developments in recruitment numbers are an encouraging sign for the future of our maritime location,” said Bornheim. This trend demonstrates that more and more young people are recognizing and seizing the opportunities in shipping.

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