About us
The German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) has been representing the interests of the German shipping sector, both nationally and internationally, since 1907. As a strong partner, VDR is helping one of the world’s largest merchant fleets chart a course into a prosperous future.
The German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) is the umbrella organisation of the German maritime shipping industry. Founded in 1907, it currently represents around 200 shipping companies – from medium-sized family businesses to global players – and a merchant fleet that is among the largest in the world.
As the voice of the industry, VDR has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and London. It represents the interests of German shipowners in political processes at the national, European and international levels. Coordinating closely with associations such as the International Shipowners’ Association (ICS), the European Shipowners’ Association (ECSA) and the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), VDR is committed to ensuring a level playing field in global competition and high standards for safety (SOLAS), environment protection (MARPOL), training (STCW) and working conditions (MLC).
As an employers’ organisation, VDR also conducts collective bargaining and social negotiations. Special attention is paid to European legislation: with its own office in Brussels, VDR is directly involved in the EU’s central decision-making processes.
In Geneva (International Labour Organization – ILO, World Trade Organization – WTO) and London (International Maritime Organization – IMO), VDR represents the interests of German shipping companies through international committees. Since 2000, VDR has also made a significant contribution to the successful organisation of the National Maritime Conferences, the central forum for the maritime industry and maritime policymaking in Germany.
