The German shipbuilding industry can look back on a successful year in 2025. The German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM) believes the industry is well positioned, but warns of geopolitical uncertainties.
One of the early highlights from 2025 was the takeover of the FSG and Nobiskrug shipyards by Rönner and Lürssen, just six weeks after filing for insolvency. “We can finally look ahead again and develop the future,” commented the association. “Our statement that we need every dock, every slipway, every square meter of heavy-duty space holds true.”
In Flensburg, work on the ferry “SeaRoad I” resumed only a short time later. This was followed in November by the launch of the ship, which is due to be delivered in July 2026.
Record figure for new construction orders
“The solid economic situation for the maritime industry is reflected in the industry figures,” it continues. “At our annual press conference, we reported an all-time record for new construction orders in Germany.” As of May 2025, civilian order intake amounted to €10.7 billion, which is an all-time high for the industry. According to an earlier announcement, the repair business, naval shipbuilding and the high demand in global shipbuilding also ensured a large number of orders across the entire value chain.
Following the rebranding of MAN Energy Solutions to “Everllence”, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems also followed suit and has since officially traded under the abbreviation TKMS. “The bigger headline followed a few months later with the successful IPO and the inclusion in the M-DAX a few days later,” says VSM. “With a record order book, the Kiel-based company convinced investors and set the course for sustainable growth by upgrading the additional site in Wismar.”
The announcement of the takeover of NVL by Rheinmetall, combined with growth plans in Düsseldorf for the new division, had already caused a “drumbeat” in naval shipbuilding. “The turbulent discussions surrounding the frigate 126 have been with us all year. We will know what happens next in a few months’ time,” commented the association.
Meyer Werft secures major order
The press conference in Berlin shortly before Christmas, at which Federal Minister Reiche and Lower Saxony’s Minister President Lies announced a major order worth around €10 billion for Meyer Werft, was also explicitly mentioned. However, the order will not be included in VSM’s order statistics until 2026, when the final construction contract is signed. “Nevertheless, the best conditions for turning the tide in Papenburg now,” says VSM. “From refurbishment, back to the growth and investment course that the shipyard has stood for for decades.”
For 2026, the association is primarily looking ahead to the National Maritime Conference in May and the SMM, which will once again take place in Hamburg in September. However, it may have to share the title of “world’s leading trade fair” with Marinetec China, according to the association. “The trade fair impressed visitors with sparkling exhibition stands, hordes of guests and a dynamic, euphoric atmosphere,” says the association. “The unannounced large-scale maneuver with over one hundred Chinese navy ships taking place at the same time, in which Japan and Taiwan had to lament running room violations, may not have dampened the mood at the trade fair. Observed from a distance in Hamburg, however, it still sent a shiver down the spine.
“Geopolitical impositions”
The VSM classifies 2025 as “a year full of geopolitical impositions”. The first country mentioned is Russia, which will not deviate from its imperial war course, as will China, which is claiming more and more power in the world order. However, the view of the USA is also critical: the Trump regime is not a reliable partner, but has “rejected a rules-based order and European institutions”; the National Security Strategy from the White House precisely describes Europe’s dilemma. “None of these developments could really surprise us and yet there is a lack of suitable answers everywhere,” the association says.
In conclusion, the VSM assesses the coming year for the industry. “For the maritime industry, we have a joint responsibility to provide answers. It helps to be aware of our own capabilities.”
China’s technological lead, which is now assumed in some other sectors, cannot be attested for shipbuilding and marine technology in Germany. The situation is different in the USA, where the technological backlog in shipbuilding is now to be made up for with large sums running into the billions in order to be prepared for system competition with China. Germany, which has built around six times as much ship tonnage in recent years, should be able to secure its technological sovereignty with manageable efforts in comparison.
“And so we are entering the new year with great self-confidence. Business is booming and customers appreciate our expertise. Our aim is to contribute to the growth impetus that Germany so urgently needs.”
