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In Lower Saxony, the maritime economy and politics made a statement on April 28 at the training forum of the Association of German Shipowners (VDR) in Leer to attract new talent in shipping. In the run-up to the National Maritime Conference of the Federal Government in Emden, the importance of qualified professionals for Germany’s maritime location was emphasized.
The figures show a positive trend: In 2025, the number of newcomers in German merchant shipping reached 743, the highest level in over a decade. Nautical and technical officer careers, training as a ship mechanic, and training as shipping merchants are particularly in demand.
Young Talent as the Key to the Future
Gaby Bornheim, President of the VDR, emphasized the need to further strengthen the momentum in attracting young talent. „Our efforts are bearing fruit: Young talent is the key to the future of merchant shipping and the competitiveness of our location. Those who experience shipping are enthusiastic – international teams, state-of-the-art technology, and the chance to explore the world make merchant shipping attractive to many young people,“ she explained.
The industry is specifically focusing on new and proven youth programs to provide early insights into the professional world. The ambassador program SeaYou offers young seafarers authentic insights into their daily work, while the holiday sailor program gives students the opportunity to experience life on container ships, bulk carriers, and tugboats up close. This year, more than 70 young people applied to participate in this program.
Regional Importance of the Maritime Economy
For the city of Leer, the maritime economy is of central importance. Mayor Claus-Peter Horst stated, „The maritime economy is a defining part of the identity of the city of Leer. Therefore, it is in our own interest to attract new talent for shipping. With the offering of practice-oriented degree programs and training opportunities, the Maritime Campus in our city plays a crucial role in promoting young talent.“
Politics supports this course. Gitta Connemann, Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, emphasized the importance of work at sea: „The increasing numbers of newcomers in merchant shipping show that work at sea is exciting and crisis-proof. Our ports, our ships, our maritime locations need young, well-trained people. This benefits not only the businesses at the docks but the entire German economy.“
Shortage of Skilled Workers and Training Standards
Wibke Mellwig, Head of the Waterways and Shipping Department in the Federal Ministry of Transport, highlighted that maritime expertise plays a key role for Germany as a shipping location. „Combating the shortage of skilled workers in shipping and ensuring a future-oriented maritime education are top priorities for us. We want to attract young talent and retain expertise in Germany,“ she said.
Support for further development also comes from the German Bundestag. Uwe Schmidt, Member of Parliament, emphasized the need to strengthen training and qualification: „Without qualified young talent, our shipping location in Germany lacks the foundation for future and success.“ Claudia Müller, Member of Parliament, added that it is important to keep young people on board permanently and to offer good job prospects.
Stefan Jüngerhans, Managing Director of Jüngerhans Shipping Company and member of the VDR Executive Board, noted that the competition for talent remains intense. „Those who introduce young people to shipping early and show them real prospects can also win them for our industry. It is crucial that we not only offer training but also make it tangible and provide reliable support,“ said Jüngerhans.
The training forum highlighted the necessity of reaching young people early, making prospects visible, and igniting enthusiasm to develop long-term careers in shipping from initial contacts.
