Shippingtelegraph: German shipowners call for maritime national service in commercial shipping

In view of the growing geopolitical risks, German shipowners are calling for the creation of a ‘sea service’ in the commercial shipping industry.

The German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) proposes introducing a maritime service within merchant shipping as part of the new military service framework.

Announcing the proposal on Monday, the association explained that the aim would be to create a civilian maritime reserve whose members could contribute to maintaining maritime supply chains in an emergency after their service.

Moreover, such service would offer young people a pathway into the shipping industry by providing practical onboard experience and training credits that could be recognised to a later decision for training and shorten the duration.

VDR stated that maritime service would be a civilian option within the framework of military service while strengthening the maritime expertise that is essential for Germany’s supply chains and sea transport capabilities.

In addition, the VDR proposal provides that, if in the future the compulsory nature of military service was reintroduced, such a maritime service could also serve as a civilian alternative within merchant shipping.

“In the long term, we need an even larger national personnel base,” says Martin Kröger, managing director of the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR). “In a real crisis, we must not be caught unprepared, but must be prepared. The maritime service is therefore the industry’s offer to policymakers to strengthen maritime expertise…a resilient nation needs not only soldiers, but also seafarers who safeguard its supply.”

The association highlighted that Germany is one of the world’s leading maritime nations. It currently comprises of 1,716 vessels with a gross tonnage of 46.7 million, making it the seventh largest merchant fleet worldwide, behind Greece and China, among others. Germany has traditionally been particularly strong in container shipping. With gross tonnage of 30.4 million, the German container fleet has moved up from third to second place globally, overtaking China (30.2 million). Only Switzerland remains ahead, with gross tonnage of 41.2.

“Germany’s merchant fleet is a strategic asset,” Kröger emphasized. “It secures the country’s economic and public supply and, if necessary, can also support military reinforcement and logistics operations as well as humanitarian missions.”

Since 2023, the number of new entrants at sea has risen from 418 to 537 – a rise of almost 30% and the highest figure since 2012, according to VDR.

Gaby Bornheim, president of the German Shipowners´ Association (VDR), said the increase in young talent is a very positive development and excellent news. It shows that more and more young people recognise the opportunities offered by careers in shipping. This is a strong signal for the future of Germany’s maritime sector.

Bornheim noted that the war involving Iran shows just how closely geopolitical conflicts and global supply chains are interconnected. “Around two-thirds of Germany’s foreign trade is transported by sea. Especially for an exporting nation like Germany, the protection of merchant shipping is therefore of strategic importance. Our thoughts are currently with the seafarers who are working in difficult conditions.”

Martin Kröger added that it is understandable that the German government is carefully weighing possible measures in the current situation.