German shipbuilding enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide. German shipyards in particular are known for precision, technological excellence and specialisation in sophisticated ship types. Whether military ships, research vessels, specialised vessels or luxury yachts – Germany is one of the leading nations in high-quality shipbuilding.
In this article, we take a detailed look at the best-known German shipyards and show what makes them stand out internationally.

TKMS – German shipyards for military shipbuilding

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) is one of Germany's leading shipyards in the field of military shipbuilding. The company develops and builds state-of-the-art submarines and surface vessels for international navies and the German Armed Forces.

The greatest challenge in military shipbuilding lies in balancing conflicting requirements:
Ships should be as compact, difficult to detect and cost-efficient as possible – while at the same time offering a long range, powerful armament, modern sensor technology and high combat resistance. TKMS has mastered this balance to the highest degree.

A particular focus is placed on conventional submarines without nuclear propulsion and on multi-purpose surface vessels that can operate in the air, on the water and underwater. In addition to the vessel itself, TKMS supplies complete systems – from weapons and command and control systems to defence systems, maintenance, modernisation and conversion throughout the entire life cycle.

Fassmer Shipyard – a family business with a global presence

The Fassmer shipyard is one of Germany's most traditional shipyards. Founded in 1850, the family-owned company now operates internationally and is renowned for its innovative strength.

Fassmer specialises in the construction of specialised vessels, including:

• Research and expedition vessels
• Ferries and offshore vessels
• Explorer yachts
• Rescue, work and supply vessels

The company also manufactures components for wind turbines and the automotive industry. With more than 1,500 employees and production sites in Germany, China, Poland and the USA, Fassmer invests heavily in research and development. The combination of shipbuilding, fibre technology, plant engineering and wind power creates strong synergy effects.

Kiel Shipyard – Historical centre of German shipbuilding

The Kiel shipyard is closely linked to the history of German shipbuilding. It dates back to Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) and Kaiserliche Werft Kiel – both key players in military shipbuilding in the German Empire.

Today, the site in Kiel-Gaarden is part of TKMS and is one of the most important locations for the construction of naval vessels and submarines in Europe. Decades of experience and industrial infrastructure make Kiel a strategic centre for German naval shipbuilding.

Other important German shipyards and their specialisations

In addition to the big names, numerous medium-sized German shipyards are shaping the market through extreme specialisation:

Blohm + Voss (Hamburg)
Renowned for the repair, conversion and new construction of cruise ships, luxury liners, naval vessels and research ships.

German Naval Yards (Kiel/Wilhelmshaven)
Focus on corvettes, frigates and supply ships for the navy, as well as hull and equipment construction.

Abeking & Rasmussen (Lemwerder)
Specialising in superyachts, research and expedition vessels, including high-quality interior fittings.

Bardowick Shipyard (Lübeck/Rostock)
Builds icebreakers, tugs, salvage vessels and offshore support vessels.

Hitzler Shipyard (Lauenburg)
Focuses on passenger ships, ferries and inland waterway vessels, as well as repairs and special conversions.

Most German shipyards employ between 50 and 1,000 people and produce a small number of technically highly complex ships each year. The focus is clearly on quality rather than mass production.

Why German shipyards are international leaders

In order to withstand global competitive pressure, German shipyards have become highly specialised. Instead of mass production, they focus on:

• technological leadership
• customised solutions
• high safety and quality standards
• decades of experience

This strategy makes German shipbuilding particularly attractive to international clients with high standards.

Conclusion: German shipyards as global quality leaders

The German shipbuilding industry combines globally renowned corporations with highly specialised family-owned businesses. Its long tradition, coupled with innovative strength and technical excellence, ensures that German shipbuilding will continue to enjoy a strong position in international competition in the future.