Together strong in VSM

The German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM) represents the political and economic interests of the German maritime industry. Founded in 1884, it now represents more than 600 companies.

More than 2,000 companies with around 200,000 highly qualified employees throughout Germany form a complete value chain for the production as well as the conversion and repair and maintenance of ships, boats and marine technology equipment. With innovative and highly complex products for public and private customers worldwide, they are the core sector of the maritime economy in Germany.

VSM members represent the entire maritime value chain. These include:

Sea and inland waterway shipyards
Supply industry and technical service companies
Material and component manufacturers
Marine technology companies
Research/development institutions and universities

The VSM is the umbrella organisation for the German Boat and Shipbuilders Association (DBSV) and the Regional Innovation Cluster Maritime Supplier Alliance Shipbuilding (MAZA) as well as the parent company of the Center of Maritime Technologies gGmbH (CMT).

The VSM represents the interests of its members with a strong voice vis-à-vis politicians in the EU, federal and state governments as well as the administration and the public. It offers an important networking and marketing platform for its members and the entire maritime community through its numerous specialist and cross-sectional committees as well as its diverse publications and events.

The VSM advises and supports its members in export and sales promotion, international regulatory development and research, development and innovation issues.

Bringing the maritime industry together as one sector, promoting exchange, pooling interests, defining common goals and achieving them together – these are the tasks of the VSM.