Germany unveiled its decision to allocate millions of euros for the development of zero-emission vessels and support digitisation in shipbuilding.
Namely, on 18 August 2022, Claudia Müller, Federal Government Coordinator for the Maritime Industry and Tourism, handed over the grant agreement in the amount of €1.3 million ($1.3 million) to the consortium for the digitisation of shipbuilding under the direction of Ostseestaal GmbH.
As explained, the aim is to make shipbuilding smarter, more cost-efficient and sustainable, by creating digital product models in which the entire process of a ship’s lifecycle can be mapped.
As Ms. Müller explained:
The maritime economy in Germany is characterized by a modern shipbuilding industry specializing in innovative products with strong positions in global competition. These positions need to be expanded
Now, with the project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the cold-plastic 3D forming and the quality controls are to be digitised throughout.
In addition, artificial intelligence methods will be also used, in order to digitise processes and reduce the production costs of unique steel constructions by up to 7%.
What is more, the government plans to support the green shipping industry and fund the construction of zero-emission ships.
For the development of green maritime technologies, we will provide an additional 30 million euros per year until 2025. We want to promote the construction of zero-emission ships and send out a strong signal for climate-neutral shipping
Ms. Müller added.
Maritime research programs supported by BMWK
Both funding programs with an annual funding volume of approx. € 60 million aspire to strengthen the innovative power of the maritime industry in international competition and promote the protection of the climate and the environment.
