Skills shortages and climate action in shipbuilding: challenges for shipyards

German shipyards are under double pressure: a growing shortage of skilled labour is facing increasing demands due to Climate action, alternative propulsion systems and ship recycling. Added to this are issues relating to collective agreements and location in the context of international competition. What strategies shipyards need now – and what skills tomorrow’s skilled workers will need to possess.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

What challenges are shipyards facing?

The shortage of skilled workers in shipbuilding is and remains a key problem. Not only are many experienced shipyard workers retiring and leaving vacancies behind. Very often, new shipyard workers are also required to have a higher level of qualification for the same role. Whereas technical expertise used to be sufficient, this must now be supplemented with IT skills.

Which occupations are particularly affected by the skills shortage?

Traditional trades are particularly affected by this: this includes welders, mechanics, electronics technicians and pipeworkers, as well as engineers and specialists in the fields of hydrodynamics, energy efficiency and drive systems.

What strategies do shipyards use to attract young talent?

To ensure they attract enough young talent, shipyards must adopt new strategies. These include:

Modernising training
Proficiency in digital systems must complement technical skills. To this end, training must also make use of digital learning platforms and simulation tools. This also makes technical professions more appealing to young employees.

Greater cooperation with universities
Dual study programmes must extend the concept of dual training to the university sector as well. Maritime campus models and projects that are as practice-oriented as possible complement the theoretical teaching.

The changing image of shipbuilding
Shipyards need to rebrand themselves as high-tech businesses. This offers new skilled workers the opportunity to develop their careers in the fields of robotics, AI and sustainable energy.

How is the skills profile in shipbuilding changing?

The shift in skills requirements within shipbuilding is driven by market demand. Purely manual tasks are becoming less important, whilst the importance of skilled workers with hybrid skills is increasing. These workers must be able to combine mechanics with IT and electronics. To this end, shipyards and institutions must create the necessary conditions through training, further education and practical learning.

Read the article to find out how traditional craft trades are changing as a result of automation and what new job profiles are emerging Digitalisation in yacht and shipbuilding: smart ships and digital twins.

What role do collective agreement and location issues play?

The German shipbuilding industry finds itself caught between conflicting pressures. On the one hand, clients are demanding greater efficiency and innovative technologies in the face of international competition, which entails costs. At the same time, wages in Germany are comparatively high. Added to this is the need to provide fair working conditions.

The issue of collective agreements plays a very important role here. Employers’ organisations and trade unions negotiate wages, working hours and job security. That in itself is a challenge. Automation and the desire for socially responsible solutions further heighten the significance of the issue.

The question of location, however, is not a matter of geography, but of competitiveness. To boost their competitiveness, shipyards such as Lürssen, Abeking & Rasmussen and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems have stepped up their investment. This has enabled them to modernise their facilities, automate their production lines and digitise their planning processes.

On the other hand, there are small and medium-sized shipyards. These have fewer resources at their disposal, making it much more difficult for them to make this investment. This is where collaboration, targeted support programmes and technological partnerships can help. These serve, above all, to safeguard these locations by boosting their competitiveness and preparing them for the next phase of international shipbuilding.

How do clusters and partnerships help shipyards?

Cluster structures already exist, such as the Northern Germany Maritime Alliance. These promote cooperation between industry, politics and research. This connects institutions, generates and disseminates knowledge, and makes more skilled workers and technologies available where they are most needed.

In line with this, climate protection has not only made its mark on shipbuilding, but is now even shaping the industry. The transition to alternative propulsion systems is becoming a key factor in achieving these ambitious targets.

Which alternative ship propulsion systems are gaining ground?

Alternative ship propulsion systems draw on a whole range of different concepts. This starts with new, synthetic fuels. These enable existing engines to continue operating, whilst significantly reducing their emissions. In addition, research is being carried out into new fuels that require new engines. These include LNG and hydrogen, and they make it possible to continue using traditional ship propulsion technology in a new form.

Other concepts combine existing technology with new innovations, such as hybrid powertrains. These reduce diesel fuel consumption through improved energy efficiency, as they allow internal combustion engines to operate within their optimal range.

Other ideas focus on making better use of energy overall, such as using steam engines for propulsion and to generate electricity. The steam is produced using the waste heat from the diesel engines. In this way, the systems make even more efficient use of the energy generated during combustion in the engine.

Why is ship recycling becoming an industry in its own right?

Another approach is ship recycling. Ships contain a variety of materials. Some of these are valuable, whilst others pose a threat to the environment. EU regulations require companies to dismantle these ships in an entirely environmentally sound manner at the end of their life cycle and to recycle them wherever possible.

This is where innovative recycling processes that use automated sorting and cutting robots come into their own. The process is fast, energy-efficient and makes it possible to get the most out of the old ships.

All these requirements are giving rise to a new sector of the economy: Green Ship Lifecycle Management. This sector utilises technologies, data and information to develop solutions covering the entire lifecycle of ships, from construction and operation to recycling. This offers shipyards a significant competitive advantage.

What does the future hold for the German shipbuilding industry?

Shipbuilding is therefore undergoing a transformation. Green shipbuilding, the digitalisation of companies, smart ships and the automation of shipyards are the cornerstones that are key to this process. As if that were not enough, the shortage of skilled workers also presents its own challenges. Not only must employees be trained in their specific areas of expertise, but they must also be able to navigate the digital world associated with these fields. Only in this way can they truly realise the full potential.

Wage and location issues, climate protection, alternative propulsion systems and ship recycling will also be key factors in shaping the industry’s future over the coming decades. The future of shipbuilding lies with those shipyards that can combine tradition and innovation with digitalisation and automation.

Germany is in a strong position. The country has built up a strong global reputation for its research and engineering expertise. Now the shipyards must demonstrate how they can harness this change to extend their lead even further. This will also require the involvement of the political sphere, the education system and the economy as a whole.

What sort of skilled workers are in demand in the shipbuilding industry?

The growing shortage of skilled workers cannot be met by the domestic labour market alone. Skilled workers from Eastern Europe are filling this gap – with solid technical skills and growing experience in modern, digitalised production environments.

Welder & CNC operator
Traditional craftsmanship and work on automated welding and cutting systems

Pipe fitters & pipework installers
Supply, fuel and cooling systems, including those for alternative powertrains

Electricians & Electronics Technicians
On-board electrical systems, sensor technology, control systems for hybrid and LNG systems

Mechanics & Industrial Mechanics
Drive systems, maintenance, mechanical auxiliary units

Shipbuilder & Steelworker
Fuselage and section construction, structural work – still essential

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Enquire about skilled shipbuilding workers from Eastern Europe

Are you short of qualified welders, pipeworkers, electricians or shipbuilders? We recruit experienced staff from Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania and other EU countries – quickly, in full compliance with the law and with the right qualifications. This enables you to meet your skilled labour needs even when the domestic market is completely depleted.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is there a shortage of skilled workers in the shipbuilding industry?

Many experienced shipyard workers are retiring, leaving vacancies. At the same time, the requirements are increasing: whereas technical expertise used to be sufficient, IT skills and digital competence are now also required.

Which occupations are particularly affected?

There is particular demand for traditional skilled workers such as welders, mechanics, electronics technicians and pipeworkers, as well as engineers and specialists in hydrodynamics, energy efficiency and drive systems.

How can shipyards meet their demand for skilled workers at short notice?

In addition to training, university partnerships and a change in image, many shipyards are relying on the recruitment of experienced skilled workers from EU countries. Temporary agency work allows vacancies to be filled quickly and in full compliance with the law.

Do skilled workers from Eastern Europe have experience with alternative propulsion systems and digital manufacturing?

Shipyards and industrial companies in Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania are increasingly turning to modern propulsion technology and automated processes. Upon request, we carry out a targeted search for skilled workers with the relevant experience and check their qualifications in advance.

What is the legal procedure for seconded EU staff?

Full freedom of movement for workers applies to EU citizens. We apply for A1 certificates, ensure AÜG compliance and take care of minimum wage reporting to customs - completely and without any effort on your part.

How quickly is staff available?

Usually within 1–3 weeks. For complex requirement profiles – such as specific certifications, system knowledge or language skills – we recommend making an enquiry well in advance.

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