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Maritime economy in Germany's true north 

Sustainable and full steam ahead

Schleswig-Holstein is at the heart of Europe’s thriving maritime economy, offering a prime location for companies in the sector. Europe, a continent with a coastline longer than those of the USA and Russia combined, relies heavily on maritime trade, with ships handling 90% of external trade and 43% of internal EU trade. This positions Schleswig-Holstein as a strategic gateway for businesses seeking growth in this vital industry. 

Facts & Figures
Billion Euro Revenue in 2022
Transloading of more than 51 million tons of cargo each year
More than 2.000 businesses
More than 30 ports with around 15 million passengers on ships

Marine ports

With their strategic location between the North and Baltic Seas, Schleswig-Holstein's ports are essential nodes in Europe's maritime network. Around 25% of German shipping companies are based here, and the region's 30+ ports handle over 13 million passengers and 52 million tons of cargo annually. The six largest ports—Lübeck, Brunsbüttel, Puttgarden, Rendsburg, Flensburg, and Kiel—account for 88% of the state's total seaport throughput. Notably, around 70% of the cargo transported through these ports is traded with Baltic Sea countries like Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Russia. 

Das Containerschiff "Frederik" der FESCO Transportation Group faehrt durch den Nord-Ostsee-Kanal. Containerschiffe Wasser niemand keiner Tourismus Urlaub Geografie Wirtschaft Transport Verkehr Kanal Nord-Ostsee-Kanal NOK See Meer maritim maritime La

Cooperation for the future of the maritime industry
Through initiatives like “Sea Our Future” and its role in the Maritime Cluster Northern Germany, Schleswig-Holstein is fostering innovation and sustainability. The state is actively shaping the future of the maritime economy, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. From addressing global challenges such as sea-based pollution to developing innovative solutions for the energy transition and coastal protection, Schleswig-Holstein is positioning itself as a leader in the global maritime sector. TransMarTech is advancing the future of maritime innovation with a focus on digitalization and connectivity. Specializing in the transfer of knowledge and technology, TransMarTech facilitates close collaboration between partners and clients to address the future challenges of the...
Zwei Personen unterhalten sich an einem Tisch mit Laptop.

Talents
Schleswig-Holstein actively fosters the development of skilled professionals for the maritime industry through a range of innovative initiatives and educational programs. The annual Ocean Re-CREATION Challenge (ORCC), organized by KiWi, encourages the creation of innovative ideas for coastal and marine conservation through a dynamic hackathon format. KiWi also plays a pivotal role in connecting highly qualified young talent with maritime companies through events like "MarDATA meets Industry." The state is home to multiple maritime-focused academic programs, particularly at Kiel University of Applied Sciences, offering degrees such as the Bachelor of Engineering in Shipbuilding and Maritime Technology and the Master of Engineering. Additionally, other institutions, like Flensburg University...
21.06.2016, Kiel. Segelwettbewerb ORC Frauen-Team Tutima Kiel Kieler Woche PresseONLY Mensch Menschen Person Personen Leute Sport sportlich Wasser Segeln Segelboot Segelboote Segler Boot Boote See Meer maritim maritime Ostsee Hohe Wellen Welle Wellen

Shaping the Future of Marine Research: Schleswig-Holstein's Role as a Global Innovation Hub
Schleswig-Holstein is home to some of the world’s most prominent marine research institutions, making it a global hub for innovative ocean and coastal research. Leading the charge is the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, one of the world’s top marine science institutes. With around 1,000 employees, including 500 scientists and 40 professors, GEOMAR conducts pioneering research on ocean circulation, marine ecology, biogeochemistry, and ocean floor dynamics. GEOMAR’s focus on both fundamental research and practical applications enables numerous opportunities for industry collaboration, driving advancements in sustainable marine technologies. Further enriching the region’s research landscape is the Research and Technology Center West Coast (FTZ) in Büsum, which conducts...

The Maritime Cluster Nothern Germany (MCN)
The Maritime Cluster Northern Germany (MCN) unites the maritime industries of five northern German states, fostering collaboration and innovation across borders. As a hub for the maritime sector, MCN promotes dialogue between shipbuilding, marine technology, offshore industries, and more, driving economic development in the region. By facilitating cross-sectoral cooperation, MCN enhances the industry’s future potential, organizing networking events, workshops, and providing access to funding programs and innovation partners. ...
More information

Any questions?

Wallmann
Nicole Wallmann
Investment Consultant
Phone: +49 431 66 66 6 - 876
wallmann@wtsh.de
 

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