Topics and Projects
In the overview, you will find the issues and projects we are dealing with. They pertain to various areas of the maritime sector. We have listed them individually and clustered them according to the key topic.
Maritime Matters Episode 7: The Law of the Sea in Transition
What role does maritime law play in shaping global commerce, ocean protection, and geopolitical stability? Professor Nele Matz-Lück and Matthias Catón examine the future of high seas governance on Maritime Matters.
Announcement: Follow-up Project to the “Standardization roadmap for hydrogen technologies“
The work surrounding the “Standardization roadmap for hydrogen technologies” will be continued. The German Maritime Centre will once again participate.
Maritime Matters Ep. 6: Hamburg as a Maritime Conference and Exhibition Hub
Discover Hamburg's role as a global maritime hub in this episode of Maritime Matters. Host Dr Matthias Catón speaks with Claus Ulrich Selbach about world-leading trade shows, innovation in the industry, and what makes Hamburg the heart of ...
Results: DMZ Delphi Survey on Wind Turbine Transports
As part of a DMZ Delphi survey on wind turbine transports, experts from industry, public administration, ports, and research were consulted on current challenges and potential solutions in the field of onshore wind energy logistics. The results ...
Opening Event of the DMZ “Short Sea” Series: Focus on Wind Energy
As part of the DMZ "Short Sea" event series, around 40 experts from industry, ports, public administration, and research met on 29 January 26 at the premises of the German Maritime Centre to exchange views on onshore wind turbine logistics. The ...
Brand development for the maritime sector
In developing a brand for the maritime sector, the German Maritime Centre has laid the initial foundations together with its partner agency.
Project “Strengthening of Short Sea Shipping”
Rising freight transport demand, ambitious climate targets and congested road networks require new logistics solutions for freight transport. The project “Strengthening of Short Sea Shipping” focuses on waterborne transport and highlights its ...
Opening Event and New Year Reception at the German Maritime Centre
With the official opening of its new premises in Hamburg city centre, the German Maritime Centre presented a new venue for dialogue and networking on 20 January 2026. Together with more than 70 invited guests from the maritime industry, ...
Maritime Matters Ep. 5: UN Ocean Decade Midway Review and the Impact of the BBNJ Treaty
Dive into this episode of Maritime Matters as Dr Matthias Catón welcomes Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, to explore the UN Ocean Decade, the blue economy, and the vital role of ocean ...
Maritime Matters Ep. 4: Research-Industry Collaboration in Ocean Protection
What happens when cutting-edge marine research meets real-world industry? And how does this collaboration drive real progress in ocean protection? In this episode, Dr Matthias Catón and DAM Chairman Dr Joachim Harms explore the breakthroughs ...
Maritime Matters Ep. 3: Coastal Shipping in India: India’s ambitions and opportunities for German business
Explore India's coastal shipping ambitions and the opportunities they present for global businesses, including German companies. Captain Vikas Vij and Ravi Kumar Moka share insights on boosting India's coastal network, shipbuilding targets, ...
India – a new global player in the maritime industry?
Managing Director Dr Matthias Catón took part in the India Maritime Week and the ORF Sagarmanthan Oceans Dialogue in Mumbai. In several discussion rounds, he spoke about current developments in the global maritime economy as well as challenges ...
Standardization roadmap for hydrogen technologies – On the way to sustainable mobility for all transport sectors
The Standardisation Roadmap for Hydrogen Technologies outlines the path towards the safe and sustainable use of hydrogen across all transport sectors. With the involvement of German Maritime Centre, standards and regulations for innovative ...
Maritime Matters Ep. 2: The Waterborne Technology Platform and the EU’s R&D&I Policy
How is Europe navigating the transition towards a climate-friendly and digital maritime future? What part do research, collaboration and EU funding play? In this episode of Maritime Matters, Dr Matthias Catón talks to Jaap Gebraad, Secretary ...
Meet The Team: Henning Martin
Our "Project Manager for Short Sea Shipping", Henning Martin, keeps an eye on logistics in regional waters for the German Maritime Centre. In this interview, he shares what excites him about his work and how a seamen’s mission played a role in ...
Alternative energy sources in inland navigation: amendments to the Police regulation for the navigation of the Rhine
Since 2022 and on request of the Federal Ministry of Transport, the German Maritime Centre has been working on proposals to amend the Police regulations for the navigation of the Rhine. An overview of the current status of the work.
Maritime Matters Ep.1: European Maritime Industrial Strategy
Explore the future of the European Maritime Industry with host Dr. Matthias Catón and Dr. Reinhard Lüken. Dive into challenges, strategy, and innovation shaping the maritime industry. With insights from a leading expert!
Social media for the maritime industry
Communication via social media is a kind of social interaction whose success depends on authenticity and approachability. We want to bring together maritime stakeholders and support them in the targeted use of social media.
German Maritime Centre attends UN Ocean Conference
The 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice brought together stakeholders from all over the world – the German Maritime Centre was present for the first time. As an observer institution, it accompanied the negotiations on key maritime issues.
Maritime Future in Focus: our review of transport logistic 2025
Four informative and productive days at the trade fair are behind us. From 2 to 5 June, the German Maritime Centre (DMZ) took part in transport logistic 2025 in Munich. Find out more about highlights, discussions and political encounters.
Working Paper: Employment Analysis for the Maritime Sector in Germany
Insightful findings on maritime employment in Germany, based on data and methodology covering 2015–2024.
Emissions from the Shipbuilding industry
Legal opinion on the current regulations on substance emissions, noise emissions and waste disposal for shipbuilding companies.
Employer branding 4.0: Digital candidate journey in the maritime industry
Practical study on recruiting young talent and specialists via digital channels with the help of candidate persona profiles
The development of the market for autonomous maritime systems (AMS)
Industry survey reveals sentiment among maritime sub-segments in Germany and Europe and identifies uncertainties and barriers
Sustainable ship recycling in Germany – a market study
Many of the products generated when a ship is scrapped are recyclable and can strengthen the circular economy.
Digital bunkering platform
The German Maritime Centre has commissioned the design of a publicly accessible digital bunkering platform.
Securing young talent
Study and white paper on the expectations and aspirations of the next generation in the maritime industry
Maritime hydrogen users – study on the hydrogen demand of Germany’s maritime sector
Maritime sector can shape energy transition and strengthen Germany’s role as a location for business and industry.
Potential analysis on the relevance of digital communication
June 2023: study on digital communication as a competitive factor for companies in the maritime industry in Germany
EU funding programmes
How is Horizon Europe being received by the German maritime sector? Initial findings from the 2021–2022 funding period
Evaluation of import VAT collection procedures
Pushing ahead with the introduction of an offsetting-based collection procedure in Germany
Maritime Research Forum 2023 – report
Science meets business. This year, the Maritime Research Forum was held in cooperation with the Hochschule Bremen (HSB) City University of Applied Sciences. The focus was on questions of sustainability.
Skills for Future
For Germany as an export nation, a high-performing, internationally competitive maritime sector is of great overall economic importance
Environmental discount system for navigation charges
Study to develop proposals for the introduction of an ecological component in navigation charges on the Kiel Canal.
“Adhesive Bonding in Shipbuilding” guideline in development
Since October 2020, the German Maritime Centre has been heading the “Adhesive Bonding in Shipbuilding” guideline committee, which is developing a uniform standard for the use of bonding technologies in shipbuilding.
Energy carrier of the future – fuel analysis in shipping by ship segment
From fossil fuels to regenerative energy. An initial overview of the fuels and energy sources available for shipping.
Background – bunkering regulations in German seaports
In the summer of 2020, the German Maritime Centre commissioned a study to develop “Guidelines for the Harmonised Regulation of Alternative Fuel Bunkering in German Seaports”. The document contains proposals for the safe and efficient bunkering ...
International field analysis on use cases for autonomous maritime systems
Paper on a survey of the basis for strategic coordination regarding international knowledge and technology transfer
Hydrogen-powered inland waterway vessels
New study looks at the European Standard laying down Technical Regulations for Inland Navigation Vessels (ES-TRIN) and develops proposals for broadening the regulation to cover vessels with fuels with a flashpoint of
Green shipping, maritime sovereignty and retaining expertise
Study on financing instruments in the maritime industry completed
The role of the maritime industry in establishing a German hydrogen industry
October 2021: German Maritime Centre publishes results of its hydrogen study for the maritime industry
EU funding for maritime research and development in Germany
Within the European Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, the sub-sectors of the maritime industry acquired funding for a wide range of projects throughout Germany in the years 2014–2020.
Zero-emission waterborne transport
The German Maritime Centre is a member of Waterborne, an industry-focused technology platform whose mission is to establish a continuous dialogue between all maritime stakeholders and the EU institutions, including the member states.
Bunker guidance for alternative fuels in German seaports
Guidelines for the harmonised regulation of alternative fuels bunkering in German seaports published (February 2021)
Modernisation of coasters and inland waterway vessels
Study to develop proposals to incentivise a sustainable modernisation of coaster and inland waterway vessels.
Adhesive technologies for shipbuilding
Study providing an overview of the development and application of adhesive bonding in shipbuilding completed
Maritime Research Forum 2019 – Report
Science meets business was the motto of the second Maritime Research Forum in November 2019, which took place in cooperation with Helmut Schmidt University under the title: “Future Fuels, Energy and Propulsion Systems”
Expert report on water law
An efficient and available infrastructure is the backbone of the maritime economy. Water law plays a key role in all projects to expand maritime infrastructure. But uncertainties exist in its application, both for businesses and for the authorities.