Germany Aims to Boost Use of National Flag in Shipping Industry

A planned reform seeks to make the German flag more competitive and appealing to shipping companies, addressing cost and bureaucracy concerns.

German authorities are working on a reform to encourage more shipping companies to register their vessels under the German flag.
Currently, approximately 85% of German-owned ships operate under foreign flags, largely due to lower costs and less bureaucracy abroad.
The reform, led by the Federal Ministry of Transport, includes plans to establish a centralized service center for shipping companies and seafarers.
The German Shipowners' Association supports the initiative, emphasizing the need to make the German flag internationally competitive and less bureaucratic.
Despite challenges, Germany ranks 21st out of 71 in an international flag registry ranking and remains a key player in global shipping, holding the seventh position in ship ownership by weight.