Over seventy learners successfully conclude their maritime internships aboard vessels - Maritime Traineeships see over 70 students embarking on nautical journeys aboard vessels
The maritime industry in Germany is witnessing a surge in interest among young students, as evidenced by the growing participation in the Summer Seafarer program run by the Association of German Shipowners (VDR) since the 1960s. This year, over 70 students are taking part in the program, with more boys than girls participating, making up about one fifth of the participants compared to one third last year.
The VDR's President, Gaby Bornheim, has stated that this revival of interest in maritime professions is a positive development. The demand for skilled workers in the maritime industry is high, as stated by the VDR's training officer, Holger Jäde.
The Summer Seafarer program, which allows students to spend up to four weeks on a container ship, is supported by twelve providers, including ten companies, the Lighthouse Operations Association, and the Federal Agency for Hydrography and Maritime Affairs. These providers are based in Hamburg, Lower Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein.
Applicants for the program must be at least 16 years old, certified fit for service by a doctor, and show "serious interest" in a career at sea. Participants come from all over Germany and Austria.
Several factors contribute to the rising interest in maritime internships and careers in German shipping. Firstly, the sector's focus on sustainability and innovation is attracting young maritime interns and students. Companies that bridge traditional maritime industries with forward-looking clean tech and sustainable energy solutions are particularly appealing.
Secondly, hands-on experience and practical learning opportunities provided by maritime internships are invaluable for career development. German shipping companies and marine energy firms are investing in training the next generation, promoting these opportunities as a key aspect of their strategy.
Thirdly, Germany's strong maritime and shipping industry offers numerous internships and entry points for young professionals, enhancing accessibility and appeal. Internships in ports, shipyards, and marine technology companies provide students with direct exposure to cutting-edge maritime operations and innovations.
Lastly, young students are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to solutions addressing climate change and marine environmental challenges, which are central to modern shipping's agenda. This engagement with meaningful, impactful work boosts the attractiveness of maritime careers in Germany.
Internationally, the estimated share of women in the shipping industry is about two percent. However, in Germany, around seven percent of women are employed in the shipping sector, suggesting a more gender-balanced workforce compared to other parts of the world.
The next "Seafarer Workforce Report" by shipping organizations Bimco and ICS, to be published in 2026, may provide insights into the personnel requirement in the maritime industry, offering a valuable resource for stakeholders in the sector.
The VDR's community policy, as expressed by President Gaby Bornheim, encourages the growth of a more diverse workforce, with an emphasis on attracting women in the maritime industry. The education-and-self-development aspect of the Summer Seafarer program, which includes hands-on learning experiences, is crucial in fostering this goal, as it helps young students, regardless of gender, to gain practical skills and explore potential careers in the maritime sector.
