This year\u2019s discussions concluded that \u201cMaritime shipping is the foundation for economic strength, security of supply and strategic independence\u201d. <\/p>\n
The next key opportunity to discuss the range of issues facing the maritime sector, also in Germany, will be the Propulsion and Future Fuels conference which takes place in Hamburg from 25-27 November. VDR is a keen supporter of the conference and VDR\u2019s Philipp Simmank, Technical Advisor for Climate, Marine research and Digitalisation, will take on an important moderator role. <\/p>\n
The Blue Night discussions brought together representatives of the German federal government, security experts, and the German shipping industry in Berlin. They discussed how Germany\u2019s maritime interests can be secured in a world of growing geopolitical tensions. The focus was on the protection of important sea routes and the role of the merchant fleet as a strategic resource in the international arena.
\u201cOur economic success, our security of supply, and our place in the world depend crucially on our being a strong shipping nation,\u201d said Gaby Bornheim, President of the VDR.
A particular focus of VDR\u2019s recent discussions was the competitiveness of German merchant shipping. Competition on the world\u2019s oceans is fierce. Many countries are investing heavily in their fleets and shipping locations to secure advantages in global trade. The discussions resolved that Germany must continue to assert itself in the future, and policymakers must set the right course now to ensure that domestic shipping companies do not fall behind. <\/p>\n