German’s Maritime Economy Sector: Before and In Time the Pandemic

Abstract

As an industrially developed economy with a large export share, Germany is inconceivable without reliable and comprehensively developed maritime and inland shipping. Shipbuilding, waterway infrastructure, ports and logistics, marine technology, research and development, energy production and consumption, high-tech services form the framework of the «maritime economy» are interconnected and ensure uninterrupted transportation of goods, goods and people. The paper analyzes the national economic significance of the maritime industry in the modern German economy. It is emphasized that in addition to performing the transport function itself, this industry provides the launch of important multiplier effects on the economy as a whole. All those issues are considered with the challenges of climate policy. In this regard, we consider that the innovative role of German shipbuilding will increase, despite the decline in economic activity during the pandemic. We hypothesize that industry is facing an uncertain future, simultaneously, it should be emphasized that after the pandemic, the federal government is sending a clear signal to the industry community – the shipbuilding industry and the merchant marine are the drivers of the industry and part of environmental change, where a lot depends on new investments in training, expanding digitalization, application new types of fuels. This may be the result of more flexibility when placing orders for various types of vessels, reducing bureaucracy in the implementation of infrastructure water projects.