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European Maritime Industrial Strategy
In this episode of Maritime Matters, host Dr. Matthias Catón is joined by Dr. Reinhard Lüken, Managing Director of the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association and Chairman of the German Maritime Centre. Their discussion explores whether Europe still has a strategically relevant maritime sector, delves into the continent’s global competitiveness, and questions the role of policy and collaboration amidst mounting competition from Asia, particularly China. Listeners gain an insider’s view of how industrial strategy, skills, and innovation will shape the future of European shipbuilding, and why action – and optimism – are needed now more than ever.
Key Topics:
• The enduring strategic importance of shipbuilding for Europe
• Market share dynamics: Europe’s strengths in niche and high-end markets, and Asia’s dominance in volume production
• The impact of state support and protectionism in global shipbuilding
• Lessons from both the United States’ and China’s approaches to industrial policy
• Regulatory and investment needs for Europe to maintain and grow its maritime industry
• Future opportunities: technological leadership and green shipping
• The critical importance of skills, education, and critical mass in the workforce
• How Europe can effectively collaborate to advance its maritime interests
Guest Bio:
Dr. Reinhard Lüken is Managing Director of the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM), representing around 850 companies. His extensive career includes key roles at Meyerwerft shipyard, the Community of European Shipyards Associations, and long-standing involvement in shaping both German and European maritime policy.
Nautical Numbers:
For this episode’s “Nautical Numbers”, Dr. Lüken brings a striking figure: last year, China secured 70% of all new shipbuilding orders worldwide. This market share had grown from just 1.5 million CGT at the start of the century to 20 million CGT in just ten years, while Europe’s production halved. A clear signal of how rapidly the global landscape can shift.
Navigator’s Table:
Dr. Lüken shares his personal recommendation for anyone travelling to Tokyo: Tsukiji Ihachi Nigo in the old port area, a welcoming fish restaurant that he discovered during a business trip. He notes its great atmosphere and service – especially memorable thanks to the friendly staff and a visit with his daughter – making it a worthwhile spot for those seeking a maritime connection in Japan’s bustling capital.
Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe to Maritime Matters for more insights and interviews with thought leaders shaping the maritime world. To learn more about Germany’s maritime sector or to engage with ongoing debates, visit the German Maritime Centre’s website – and share this episode with colleagues interested in the future of the European maritime industry.
Stay tuned for more global perspectives through a German lens.
View all episodes
By German Maritime CentreIn this episode of Maritime Matters, host Dr. Matthias Catón is joined by Dr. Reinhard Lüken, Managing Director of the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association and Chairman of the German Maritime Centre. Their discussion explores whether Europe still has a strategically relevant maritime sector, delves into the continent’s global competitiveness, and questions the role of policy and collaboration amidst mounting competition from Asia, particularly China. Listeners gain an insider’s view of how industrial strategy, skills, and innovation will shape the future of European shipbuilding, and why action – and optimism – are needed now more than ever.
Key Topics:
• The enduring strategic importance of shipbuilding for Europe
• Market share dynamics: Europe’s strengths in niche and high-end markets, and Asia’s dominance in volume production
• The impact of state support and protectionism in global shipbuilding
• Lessons from both the United States’ and China’s approaches to industrial policy
• Regulatory and investment needs for Europe to maintain and grow its maritime industry
• Future opportunities: technological leadership and green shipping
• The critical importance of skills, education, and critical mass in the workforce
• How Europe can effectively collaborate to advance its maritime interests
Guest Bio:
Dr. Reinhard Lüken is Managing Director of the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM), representing around 850 companies. His extensive career includes key roles at Meyerwerft shipyard, the Community of European Shipyards Associations, and long-standing involvement in shaping both German and European maritime policy.
Nautical Numbers:
For this episode’s “Nautical Numbers”, Dr. Lüken brings a striking figure: last year, China secured 70% of all new shipbuilding orders worldwide. This market share had grown from just 1.5 million CGT at the start of the century to 20 million CGT in just ten years, while Europe’s production halved. A clear signal of how rapidly the global landscape can shift.
Navigator’s Table:
Dr. Lüken shares his personal recommendation for anyone travelling to Tokyo: Tsukiji Ihachi Nigo in the old port area, a welcoming fish restaurant that he discovered during a business trip. He notes its great atmosphere and service – especially memorable thanks to the friendly staff and a visit with his daughter – making it a worthwhile spot for those seeking a maritime connection in Japan’s bustling capital.
Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe to Maritime Matters for more insights and interviews with thought leaders shaping the maritime world. To learn more about Germany’s maritime sector or to engage with ongoing debates, visit the German Maritime Centre’s website – and share this episode with colleagues interested in the future of the European maritime industry.
Stay tuned for more global perspectives through a German lens.