In 2022, the German established Blue Economy sectors employ about 570 000 people and generate around €57.6 billion in GVA. The Blue Economy employs roughly 1.3% of the national workforce, a decrease from 1.5% recorded in 2021. However, German Blue Economy recorded an increase in contribution to the overall GVA, moving from 1.4% in 2021 to 1.6% in 2022.
The German Blue Economy is led by Marine living resources in terms of employment, with 27% of blue workers employed in this sector. The share has increased since 2021 (25%) and is back to pre-Covid levels (in 2019, 27%). Maritime transport and Coastal tourism contribute each to 23% of the Blue Economy workforce whilst Port activities to 17%.
In terms of GVA, Maritime transport contributes to more than half the Blue Economy GVA (56%), displaying a large increase on the previous year (46%). Port activities are the second most important contributors to Germany’s Blue Economy GVA (12%).
In 2022, Germany is the largest contributor to EU’s GVA for Marine living resources, Maritime transport, Port activities and Offshore wind energy. Germany is also an important contributor to the EU Blue Economy workforce, employing the largest amount of personnel for Port Activities and Maritime transport and the second largest for Marine living resources and Offshore wind energy.
In 2023, Germany has the third busiest container port (in terms of gross weight of goods handled) of EU in 2021, which is the Port of Hamburg. The port of Bremerhaven ranks 24th, whilst the Port of Wilhelmshaven ranks 35th in EU. In terms of passengers embarked and disembarked in ports, the port of Burgstaaken/Fehmarn is the first ranked in Germany and the 23rd busiest in EU. Other busy passenger ports are Norddeich (40th) and Norderney (48th).
At national level several institutional bodies monitor and provide support to the German blue economy, such as the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMV), the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) through R&I funding support of the Horizon Europe co-funded Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership as well as the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters, the German Marine Research Consortium (KDM), and the RIFS Potsdam. The Blaue Bioökonomie is an association whose members have committed to contribute to the change to a bio-based economy in Germany supported by R&D in sustainable blue bioeconomy.
At international level, Germany supports partner countries worldwide to strengthen capacity development advancing a sustainable blue economy. For example, Germany supports regional collaboration of relevant actors for an inclusive and sustainable blue economy in the Western Indian Ocean region.
Germany offers a wide range of educational opportunities for those interested in the blue economy activities. For example, the University of Bremen offers a BSc in Marine Geosciences, the Hamburg School of Business Administration proposes a MSc in Shipping, the Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences offers a MSc in Offshore Wind Energy.
Marine Strategy Framework Directive: Economic and Social Analysis (ESA)
As part of the MSFD reporting obligations, Member States must provide an Economic and Social Analysis of the blue economy. This analysis is integrated into the broader reporting package under Articles 8, 9, and 10, which includes:
- The status of marine waters;
- The determination of GES;
- Environmental targets to achieve GES.
The Economic and Social Analysis (ESA) report for the 2024–2029 cycle is presented below in PDF format. This document is available in English translation, with the original language included where applicable.
The full reports submitted under Articles 8, 9, and 10 are available here: MSFD Reporting Portal.
For more information on the implementation of the MSFD, visit the European Commission’s MSFD page.
This interactive dashboard presents the evolution of the blue economy for Germany. It is designed to provide insights into key economic indicators over time.
At the top of the dashboard, there is a drop-down menu that allows users to select one of the following data categories:
- Employment: Number of jobs and workforce trends in the blue economy sectors.
- Gross Value Added (GVA): The contribution of the blue economy to the national economy.
- Turnover and Gross Profit: Revenue and profitability metrics of blue economy industries.
- Investment: Capital investment levels in blue economy sectors.
Once a category is selected, the main panel updates to display relevant visualisations, such as line charts or bar graphs, showing trends over time. These visualisations are accompanied by labels, legends, and tooltips to ensure clarity and accessibility.
The dashboard is navigable via keyboard and compatible with screen readers. All interactive elements are clearly labeled, and data visualisations include alternative text descriptions summarising key insights.