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On the occasion of the National Maritime Conference in Emden, the German Transport Forum (DVF) has called on the federal government to take targeted measures to support ports and shipping. These steps are necessary to strengthen the German economy. Matthias Magnor, Chairman of the Board of BLG LOGISTICS and Deputy Chairman of the DVF Presidium, emphasized the urgency of these demands and referred to the central role of the maritime economy for Germany as a location.
Ports as Key Players in the Economy
Magnor highlighted that ports are crucial not only for economic development but also for climate policy transformation and Germany’s military defense capability. He pointed out that shipping plays a fundamental role in trade relations and energy supply. „The federal government and the EU must continue to advocate for open markets and a rules-based order,“ Magnor stated. It is important that Germany maintains its own strength and competitiveness.
To achieve this, Magnor demands excellent infrastructure and a reduction in bureaucratic hurdles. „The federal government must increase funding for ports. Not at some point in the future. Not with symbolic amounts. But now and with financing that reflects the strategic importance of our ports,“ Magnor continued. These measures are essential to secure the competitiveness of German ports and strengthen the economic foundation of the country.
The conference in Emden serves as a platform to communicate these concerns and to bring the importance of the maritime economy into focus on the political agenda.
Central Demands of the DVF in the Area of Ports/Shipping:
- Renovate and modernize port infrastructures with federal support – for energy security, transformation, defense capability, and the competitiveness of the industrial location.
- Establish a new and sustainable basis for financing port infrastructure – for both seaports and inland ports.
- Protect maritime infrastructures, ports, and shipping from external interference – including through effective drone defense.
- Enhance the performance of seaward approaches, waterways, and rail and road connections to ports – secure budgets for transport infrastructure – ramp up renovation rates.
- Accelerate important infrastructure projects – all waterway projects in urgent need and ports must be placed in the overriding public interest (Infrastructure Future Act).
- Finally tackle the long-overdue reform of the import turnover tax – introduce a compensation model.
- Support shipping in the transformation – ensure supply with sustainable fuels – reinvest revenues from the EU emissions trading system back into the sector.
Modernize the application of state aid law to the maritime economy.
