German shipowners are calling for the creation of a civilian “sea service” to strengthen the country’s ability to keep trade moving in times of crisis. The proposal, put forward by the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR), would allow young people to complete part of a future military service requirement at sea, building up a pool of trained personnel who could be called on to crew merchant vessels in emergencies. The move comes as geopolitical risks mount across key shipping lanes, from the Gulf and Red Sea to the Baltic and Indo-Pacific, exposing the vulnerability of global supply chains and the crews that keep them running. “For an export nation like Germany, the protection of merchant shipping is therefore of strategic importance,” said VDR president Gaby Bornheim, pointing to the country’s heavy reliance on seaborne trade. Germany currently depends on shipping for around 60% of its imports and exports, but shipowners warn the country lacks a sufficient domestic workforce to support operations in a crisis. “In the long term, we need an even larger national personnel base,” said VDR managing director Martin Kröger. “In a real crisis, we mustn’t be caught off guard, but rather be prepared.” Under the proposal, volunteers would spend around a year training and working onboard merchant ships, gaining practical skills that could later count towards maritime careers. The aim is to create a civilian maritime reserve capable of supporting military logistics or maintaining essential supply lines during disruptions. The idea also reflects concerns about reliance on foreign labour. The Philippines, the largest supplier of seafarers globally, has previously recalled its nationals from high-risk areas, highlighting the risk of crew shortages during conflicts. Kröger said the initiative should be seen as a contribution to national resilience rather than a military measure. “Because a resilient nation needs not only soldiers, but also seafarers who ensure its supplies,” he said. The proposal would sit alongside any potential reintroduction of compulsory military service, offering a civilian alternative for those unwilling to take up arms while still contributing to national preparedness. Germany remains one of the world’s leading shipping nations, with a fleet of more than 1,700 vessels and the second-largest container shipping capacity globally. However, shipowners argue that this strength is undermined by a shortage of domestically trained crew. At the same time, recruitment trends are improving. New entrants into seafaring roles have risen sharply in recent years, with enrolment reaching its highest level in more than a decade. Since 2023, the number of new recruits at sea has increased from 418 to 537 – a rise of almost 30%, the highest figure since 2012, according to VDR. Still, industry leaders say more structured pathways are needed to build long-term capacity. The VDR argued that a formal sea service scheme could both attract new talent and ensure a ready pool of trained personnel in times of need. Whether the proposal gains political backing remains uncertain, but Kröger noted the industry sees it as a practical step. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1_95_0_1_2'); }); TagsGermany Seafarers