EUROPE • GERMANY PHOTO: MAN DIESEL & TURBO SE


Equipment powerhouse


Specialist knowledge and innovation are keeping Germany’s marine equipment and systems industry in its world number one position, according to Hauke Schlegel, md of the Marine Equipment and Systems arm of the German Engineering Federation (VSMA).


Hauke Schlegel


Precise figures are difficult to establish if one includes production licensed by German manufacturers elsewhere in the world, but Germany is still number one in production, he says.


‘While shipbuilding is 90% in China, Korea and Japan, marine equipment production remains more or less focused on Europe.’


One of Germany’s advantages is the close links between various branches of engineering and electronics, from which the marine side can draw strength. ‘It is a big advantage to have a strong machinery industry with other markets around and for many decades we have taken advantage of those synergies,’ says Schlegel.


‘The centre of Europe is also a good climate for small and medium companies, which are very flexible but also reliable, making Germany very successful in the marine market. German companies have had close links to the shipyards for decades but generally more important are their links with the


Visit: seatrade-maritime.com Seatrade Maritime Review • Quarterly Issue 2 • June 2017 43


shipowners and operators – because of the ‘lifecycle’ factor.


‘The traditionally conservative shipping industry is looking for long-lasting relationships with stable companies and brands which give owners/operators the confidence that they will get the spare parts and technical consultancy they need for the 10-20 years of the ship,’ Schlegel continues. ‘If you get your engine from a Chinese manufacturer, you may not have the feeling you can get this brand in five years’ time.’


Nevertheless, many German suppliers are experiencing tough times thanks to the low level of newbuildings – with the notable exception of the cruiseships, an area where Germany is enviably strong.


Many companies have successfully compensated for slow commercial maritime and offshore orders by focusing much more on service – providing lifetime repair, maintenance and refurbishment. Offshore renewables are providing other new opportunities and, at the same time, tightening environmental regulations should open new opportunities in the sector.


‘For example, a lot of companies invested a huge amount into developing the technology for LNG marine engine propulsion – the technology is there, and we can only hope for the market to move a bit faster,’ says Schlegel.


He welcomes the government’s decision to subside shipowners’ costs in moving to LNG as ‘a good first step’. ‘But what we need urgently in an increase in oil price – and we are not the only ones looking for this. The offshore sector is a very important market in our marine equipment industry.’


Meanwhile, there is increasing focus on digitalisation and the move towards the Internet of Things (IoT).


‘German industry is already the world leader in this sector and we see a big advantage in more ongoing digital innovation in maritime,’ says the VSMA md. ‘At the moment, a shipowner only invests if he can get his money back in a year or maximum two years – in the IoT sector, they could indeed achieve ROI in that time. However, this has to be ‘sold’ into the conservative industry – we have discussed how to market these benefits better, with technology that doesn’t cost so much compared to the benefits.’ 


PHOTO: MMG-MECKLENBURGER METALLGUß GMBH


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100