Focal topics
Read selected VDR publications, from specialist articles to in-depth discussions of current developments, and through to miscellaneous stories from the maritime world.
SeaYou: VDR ambassador programme for shipping
In the Ambassador Programme of the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR), young seafarers have their say and present their perspectives, pictures, texts, and videos from everyday maritime life.
read more: SeaYou: VDR ambassador programme for shipping
Climate protection: the net-zero goal
read more: Climate protection: the net-zero goal
© Image Source RF – stock.adobe.comCaptain – Boss at sea
A profession with responsibility: being a captain means much more than just steering a ship. It’s a challenging path to get there, requiring experience, training and strong leadership skills.
read more: Captain – Boss at sea
© Fairplay TowageChief Engineer – Master of machines
The key role in the engine room: The Chief keeps the ship’s technical operations running – with expertise, vision and a strong team at his side.
read more: Chief Engineer – Master of machines
Quick topic search
Quickly find relevant topics relating to shipping – simply enter a search term or select one of the suggestions.
Articles on the topic
Biofouling – a maritime environmental problem with global implications
Marine organisms attaching themselves to ship hulls increase emissions, complicate operations and introduce invasive species. International IMO guidelines and the Biofouling Round Table focus on finding joint solutions for effective biofouling control as an important aspect of sustainable shipping.
read more: Biofouling – a maritime environmental problem with global implicationsUnderwater noise
Noise from human activities affects the communication and orientation of many marine animals. International IMO guidelines and joint dialogue formats such as the Underwater Noise Round Table develop solutions to reduce sources of shipping noise effectively.
read more: Underwater noiseBallast Water Convention
To prevent the spread of invasive species, strict worldwide IMO regulations apply to the treatment of ballast water. Shipping companies are investing in modern systems. VDR supports their implementation and development by engaging in an international dialogue.
read more: Ballast Water ConventionPiracy remains a serious security threat for international shipping
Attacks on merchant ships endanger crews, cause high costs and disrupt international trade. Protective measures taken by shipping companies, and international naval operations are crucial to ensure safety at sea.
read more: Piracy remains a serious security threat for international shipping“Europe’s security is at stake”
Poland’s ambassador to Germany, Jan Tadeusz Tombiński, speaks about the importance of maritime infrastructure.
read more: “Europe’s security is at stake”Cargo safety at sea
Maritime shipping has been connecting regions, countries and continents for centuries. It is the backbone of global trade. Today, around ninety per cent of globally traded goods are transported by sea – from raw materials such as oil, gas and ores to containerised food, industrial products and consumer goods.
read more: Cargo safety at seaShip recycling – recognising and promoting progress
Over 90 per cent of materials from decommissioned merchant ships can be recycled. Through international agreements such as the Hong Kong Convention, the shipping industry is creating binding standards for safe as well as environmentally and socially responsible recycling.
read more: Ship recycling – recognising and promoting progress“Maritime sovereignty is of central importance to US policy”
Series: Scott Woodard is the US Consul General in Hamburg. In this interview, he defines American interests – not least in relation to China.
read more: “Maritime sovereignty is of central importance to US policy”“Any disruption to sea routes has serious consequences”
A recent study by the ifo Institute highlights the geo-economic significance of vulnerable sea routes for German foreign trade. In this interview, co-author Prof Katharina Erhardt explains key aspects.
read more: “Any disruption to sea routes has serious consequences”Ships in the crosshairs
Geopolitics: International crises and military conflicts are a growing threat to merchant ships. We highlight why protecting them should be a top priority.
read more: Ships in the crosshairs
