Shipbuilding has a long tradition in Germany, and it continues to play an important role in the country's economy. Despite the recent crises and declining outputs, the German shipbuilding industry remains an important employer with more than 2000 companies that employ around 200 000 people.
Competitive environment
Competitors from Asian countries such as China and Korea have effectively removed standard ship building from the German shipyards. Most of German ships are now being built in the Far East: in 2021, over 85% of all orders from German shipowners were placed in China and Korea. Order books are also getting thinner: With 54 ships worth 15 billion euros, the order backlog for German shipbuilding was at its lowest level in six years at the end of 2021.
The number of orders has declined, but the complexity and the price of the ships have gone up. German shipyards are now concentrating on cruise ships, mega yachts, ferries, and other speciality ships.
The strategic importance of the shipbuilding sector is likely higher than what purely economic numbers tell. Resent events, such as Corona pandemic and war in Ukraine have increased the need to make the global supply chains more resilient and to ensure military security and competitiveness.
Currently, the German suppliers and shipyards are facing difficulties to process all incoming orders on time. One reason is the noticeable shortage of qualified workers. There is a window of opportunities for Finnish companies to seek new partnerships and business in the German market.
Team Finland warmly welcomes you to this German maritime market update!
Premilinary agenda
- Current market situation and trends in Germany related to shipbuilding
- German shipbuilding:
- Updates on German shipbuilding companies and suppliers
- Presentation on shipyards, their orderbooks, decision making process and supplier network
- Information on governmental efforts that could pose an opportunity for Finnish companies
- Industry meetings and networking event
- Market access strategy and recommendations
- Q&A
Presenters
- Mr. Jobst Schlennstedt, Senior Consultant, Ramboll Deutschland GmbH
- Ms. Mailin Heins, Consultant, Ramboll Deutschland GmbH
Are you representing a Finnish company within the shipbuilding sector, and interested in the German market? If so, this is the right event for you.
