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The maritime economy in Germany's "True North"

Sustainable full steam ahead

At the heart of Europe’s thriving maritime economy, Schleswig-Holstein is a prime location for companies in this 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
Bn Euro revenue in 2022
mt amount of cargo transloaded each year
+ companies
Mio passengers handeld at 30+

Seaports

Strategically located between the Baltic and North Sea, 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 a year. The six largest ports — Lübeck, Brunsbüttel, Puttgarden, Rendsburg, Flensburg, and Kiel — account for 88% of the state's total maritime throughput. It is also worth noting that: around 70% of the cargo transported through these ports is traded with Baltic countries such as 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

Cooperating 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. Our 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 its focus on digitalisation and connectivity. Specialising in the transfer of knowledge and technology, TransMarTech facilitates close collaboration between partners and customers to address the future challenges facing...
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) organised 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 talents with maritime companies through events like 'MarDATA meets Industry'. The state is also home to multiple maritime-focused academic programs, particularly at Kiel University of Applied Sciences, offering degrees such as an engineering bachelor in shipbuilding and maritime technology and a master's in engineering. In addition, other institutions, such as Flensburg...
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
Home to some of the world’s most prominent marine research institutions, Schleswig-Holstein is 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 while driving advancements in sustainable marine technologies. Further enriching the region’s research landscape is the Research and Technology Centre West Coast (FTZ) in Büsum, which conducts...

MCN unites the maritime industries of five northern German states to foster cross-state collaboration and innovation. As a hub for the maritime sector, MCN promotes dialogue between the shipbuilding, marine technology and offshore industries, thus driving economic development in the region. By facilitating cross-sectoral cooperation, MCN enhances the industry’s future potential by organising networking events and workshops and providing access to funding programs and innovation partners. ...

Any questions?

Standortberaterin Nicole Wallmann
Nicole Wallmann
Investment Consultant
Phone: +49 431 66 66 6 - 876
 

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Diversity of Schleswig-Holstein at a glance

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Two seas, unique nature and endless expanse. In between, down-to-earthness, innovative spirit and cohesion. Right in the middle are globally successful companies, real future industries and an active scientific and research landscape.
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