German maritime security governance: a perspective on the Indian Ocean Region

Abstract

Besides the high number of attacks by Somali pirates, terrorists have threatened to disrupt Western maritime trade and oil and gas supplies in the Indian Ocean Region. This case study of German maritime security governance aims to examine these threats faced by Germany, and German countermeasures and preparedness. The German economy relies heavily on its international sea trade and Germany is home to the world's biggest container shipping companies. On one hand, authorities and stakeholders have been eager to improve risk assessment and implement international agreements. On the other hand, the different interests of ship-owners, seafarers and insurers, as well as a lack of agreement between the different ministries, are major challenges for German maritime security governance. Germany chooses to act within the international context concerning maritime security, but generally not in a leading role. However, maintaining a secure Indian Ocean region is paramount to ensuring its own economic security.