The German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) says Germany remains the world’s 7th‑largest merchant fleet despite a difficult market and rising geopolitical risks on key maritime routes.
Tensions across the Middle East, Red Sea, Black Sea and Baltic Sea are increasing operational pressure on commercial shipping. VDR warns that thousands of vessels have faced blockages and attacks in the Persian Gulf, making route security a strategic priority for an export‑driven economy like Germany.
Germany’s fleet totals about 1,716 vessels (46.7 million GT), with a particularly strong container segment globally. VDR also calls for a larger national seafarer base—including integrating maritime service into new forms of military service—to ensure operational readiness in crisis situations.
Versiune română: Flota comercială a Germaniei rămâne pe locul 7 mondial, pe fondul riscurilor geopolitice