Germany’s shipowners are calling for a civilian sea service scheme to help protect trade flows during national emergencies, arguing that maritime resilience is a strategic requirement for an export-driven economy.
The proposal from the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) would let young people complete part of any future national service obligation at sea. Participants would spend about one year training and working on merchant vessels, building practical skills while forming a reserve of personnel that could be called on to support military logistics or keep essential cargo moving during disruptions.
The case for the plan rests on Germany’s dependence on shipping. Around 60% of the country’s imports and exports move by sea, yet shipowners say the domestic labour base is not large enough to sustain operations in a serious crisis. VDR President Gaby Bornheim said merchant shipping therefore has strategic importance for Germany.
VDR Managing Director Martin Kröger said the industry needs a broader national pool of trained personnel over the long term so the country is not left unprepared in a real emergency. He said the proposal should be understood as a resilience measure, not a military one, because a country’s supply security depends not only on soldiers but also on seafarers.
The initiative also reflects concern over heavy reliance on foreign labour. The Philippines, the world’s largest source of seafarers, has in the past withdrawn its nationals from high-risk areas, underlining the risk of crew shortages during conflict.
The proposal would stand alongside any return of compulsory military service and offer a civilian route for people unwilling to bear arms while still contributing to national preparedness. VDR said such a framework could also make seafaring more attractive as a career and create a more reliable pipeline of trained personnel.
Germany remains one of the world’s leading shipping nations, with more than 1,700 vessels and the second-largest container shipping capacity globally. Recruitment has improved, with new entrants at sea rising from 418 in 2023 to 537 since then, up nearly 30% and the highest level since 2012. Even so, shipowners say a more structured system is needed to secure long-term capacity. Political support for the idea remains uncertain, but the industry describes it as a practical step.
