Germany Maritime Industry
Overview:
The German maritime industry is renowned internationally as one of the leading export markets of maritime products, technology & services, and one of the core industry sectors of Germany’s economy. In 2025 the maritime sector provided 344,938 jobs and contributed roughly USD 86 billion in annual revenues.
Germany’s modern shipbuilding and shipbuilding supply industry specializes in high-tech products and has a predominantly strong position in global competition. Germany is home to leading international shipping companies, especially in the field of container shipping, has an efficient port economy and logistics, innovative marine technology industry and renowned maritime scientific research & training institutions.
German Shipbuilding Industry
Germany is home to around 130 shipyards which provide services relevant to commercial, inland, recreational craft building, naval shipbuilding, and general repairs and conversions. In 2025, the German shipbuilding industry accounts for around 18,200 employees and an order backlog of approximately EUR 15.4 billion.
Around 70% of the ships manufactured in Germany are delivered to foreign markets and roughly one third of annual revenues generated stem from naval orders (domestic & foreign). German shipyards are considered global leaders in specialty shipbuilding, including the construction of yachts and research vessels. Amongst the largest shipbuilders are Meyer Werft, Lürssen, Thyssen-Krupp-Marine-Systems, and German Naval Yards.
Maritime Industry Suppliers (Shipbuilding & Offshore)
The German shipbuilding and offshore supplier industry consist of around 400 mostly mid- sized companies. Around 63,000 employees generated sales of USD 12.8 billion euros in 2023. The industry is represented not only along Germany’s northern coastline, but throughout the country. In addition to maintaining traditional sales markets, German maritime suppliers are increasingly targeting new regions, particularly emerging markets. Key market segments continue to include passenger and ferry shipping, naval and government vessels, as well as other specialized ship markets.
German Ports
Within the EU, there exist more than 1200 seaports with over 300 ports as part of the Trans European Transport Network. Of these, the European Commission lists 21 German core and comprehensive seaports within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), including the major ports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven, Rostock, and Lübeck. Most of Germany’s approximately 266 shipping companies are located in northern federal states such as Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and Bremen. Germany’s ports play a key role as gateways for European and global trade, particularly across the Atlantic and Baltic trade routes. German seaports also make a significant contribution to employment and logistics value chains throughout the country.
In 2025, Germany’s 21 seaports handled 284.4 million metric tons of goods of all kinds. Germany’s largest seaport, Hamburg, handled 114.6 million tons of goods, followed by Bremen/Bremerhaven (65.3 million tons), Wilhelmshaven (34 million tons), and Rostock (31.33 million tons). Germany further maintains 30 inland ports. By volume, the Port of Duisburg is the most significant German inland port (2025: handled ca. 50.8 million metric tons of goods).
Maritime Policy & Clean Transport
While maritime transport remains one of the most energy-efficient modes of transport and plays a central role in the European economy, the sector continues to face increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward climate-neutral operations by 2050. Since 2024, maritime transport has been included in the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Under the phase-in mechanism, shipping companies are gradually required to surrender allowances for a growing share of their verified emissions, with full implementation scheduled for 2027. The regulation applies primarily to large vessels above 5,000 gross tonnage operating within the EU framework. In parallel, the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation and broader decarbonization initiatives are accelerating demand for low-emission fuels, energy-efficient technologies, alternative propulsion systems, shore-side electricity infrastructure, and digital optimization solutions.
Opportunities therefore exist for U.S. exporters offering environmentally friendly maritime technologies, energy-efficiency solutions, and digital systems that help reduce operating costs and emissions. At the same time, increasing digitalization and Industry 4.0 integration continue to create challenges in areas such as cybersecurity, data management, and critical infrastructure protection.
Relevant Maritime Events
• Boot Düsseldorf
• Seatrade Europe
• SMM Hamburg
• WindEnergy Hamburg
German Government & Associations Resources
• Association of the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industry (VSM)
• Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) - Marine Equipment and Systems Division
• German Boat- and Shipbuilding Association (DBSV)
• German Shipowners’ Association (VDR)
• German Shipsuppliers Association (VDS)
• German Association of Seaport Operators (ZDS)
• German Association for Marine Technology (GMT)
ITA Resources
• U.S. Commercial Service in Germany
• Germany Business Service Providers
• U.S. Exporter Maritime Services
• U.S. Commercial Service Germany Contact
Your U.S. Commercial Service Contact:
Kelly Smith-Glover
Commercial Specialist | U.S. Commercial Service
P: +49-89-288-769
Kelly.Smith-Glover@trade.gov