German shipowners have called for the creation of a civilian “sea service” to strengthen the country’s capacity to maintain trade and shipping operations during crises. The proposal comes amid growing concerns about global maritime risks, from the Gulf and Red Sea to the Baltic and Indo-Pacific, and the vulnerability of international supply chains and the crews that operate them.
The initiative was put forward by the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR). Under the plan, young volunteers could complete part of a potential future military service requirement by training and serving at sea. This would build a pool of trained personnel capable of being called on to crew merchant vessels in emergency situations, supporting both national logistics and essential supply lines.
Volunteers would spend around one year training and working onboard merchant ships, acquiring practical skills in navigation, cargo handling, and ship operations. These experiences could later count toward maritime careers, creating a civilian maritime reserve capable of supporting military logistics or maintaining essential trade during disruptions.
“For an export nation like Germany, the protection of merchant shipping is therefore of strategic importance,” said VDR President Gaby Bornheim, highlighting Germany’s reliance on seaborne trade. Currently, shipping accounts for approximately 60% of Germany’s imports and exports, yet shipowners warn that the country lacks sufficient domestically trained personnel to sustain operations during 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.”
Kröger emphasized that the initiative should be viewed as a national resilience measure rather than a military policy. “Because a resilient nation needs not only soldiers, but also seafarers who ensure its supplies,” he said. The civilian sea service would complement, rather than replace, any potential reintroduction of compulsory military service, offering a non-combat alternative for young volunteers who wish to contribute to national preparedness.
Germany remains one of the world’s leading shipping nations, with a fleet of over 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.
On a positive note, recruitment trends are improving. New entrants into seafaring roles have risen sharply in recent years, with enrollment reaching its highest level in more than a decade. Since 2023, the number of new recruits has increased from 418 to 537, a nearly 30% rise, marking the highest figure since 2012, according to VDR statistics.
The proposal also addresses concerns about reliance on foreign labor. The Philippines, the largest supplier of seafarers globally, has in the past recalled nationals from high-risk regions, demonstrating the potential for crew shortages during conflicts. By cultivating domestic talent, Germany aims to reduce dependency on foreign crews in critical situations.
Industry leaders stress the need for structured pathways to ensure long-term capacity. The VDR argues that a formal sea service scheme could both attract new talent and provide a ready pool of trained personnel in times of national need. Whether the proposal will receive political backing remains uncertain, but Kröger noted that the shipping industry views it as a practical and forward-looking step to secure Germany’s maritime operations.
