Supporting Germany’s shipping power: Why ATPI Marine Travel’s presence matters 

Alongside its world-class manufacturing capabilities, Germany’s economy has long been supported by its maritime industry. With global trade running through its ports, shipping is more than a commercial sector, it’s part of the nation’s identity. And Hamburg – where ATPI has an office to support our German clients – is the heart of the action. 

Germany’s role in global shipping 

As one of the world’s leading maritime nations, Germany continues to exert influence on global trade through its extensive shipping network.  

Shipping underpins Germany’s position as the third-largest exporter worldwide, after China and the United States. Over 90% of international trade by volume travels by sea, and for Germany’s world-renowned automotive, machinery, chemical, and electronics industries, maritime logistics remain indispensable. From captains and crew to ships and supply chains, Germany’s influence spans both the operational and strategic layers of global commerce. 

A gateway to the world 

Northern Germany hosts hundreds of shipping companies, ship management firms, and maritime service providers. At the heart of this maritime hub (which also includes Bremen, and Lower Saxony) is the Port of Hamburg. As the third-largest port in Europe, following Rotterdam and Antwerp, it handles close to eight million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually. But its importance extends beyond scale. 

Known as ‘Germany’s Gateway to the World’, Hamburg plays a pivotal role in connecting Europe to Asia, with strong trade routes linking it to major markets like China. The city is a logistical hub and a symbol of Germany’s outward-looking, trade-driven ethos. It also serves as home to countless shipping companies, ship management firms, and maritime service providers, creating one of the most concentrated maritime clusters in Europe. No wonder it hosts the world’s largest maritime trade exhibition every two years (SMM Hamburg). 

A maritime ecosystem of innovation and expertise 

Germany’s shipping industry extends far beyond ports and cargo. It sustains over 400,000 jobs across shipbuilding, port logistics, naval architecture, and marine services. Renowned institutions like the Maritime University of Applied Sciences in Bremen and the Hamburg University of Technology cultivate a highly skilled workforce, feeding into a knowledge-rich sector. 

Although the dominance of German shipbuilding has waned compared to past decades, the country remains at the forefront of high-tech marine engineering. From luxury cruise vessels to specialised ship components, German precision continues to shape the global fleet. The country is also taking a proactive stance on sustainability, investing in alternative fuels like LNG and methanol, supporting shore power infrastructure, and deploying digital tools to enhance route efficiency and reduce emissions. With targets aligned to EU climate goals, Germany aims for climate-neutral shipping by 2045. 

Why Hamburg matters to ATPI 

For ATPI Marine Travel, expanding into Germany was an important step in our global mission to be closer to our customers. As specialists in global crew travel and logistics, we understand the rhythms and requirements of the maritime world. Hamburg stood out not just as a commercial port, but as a place where heritage, innovation, and mobility converge. 

Being at the heart of one of the world’s most connected logistics hubs allows us to remain close to our marine and offshore clients, providing local insight with global reach. It’s a city where tradition meets transformation, and it’s a perfect match for a company like ours that thrives on moving people efficiently and purposefully. 

Honouring a maritime legacy 

ATPI’s Hamburg office is part of German maritime heritage. Formerly the travel division of the renowned Hamburg Süd, it holds a special place in the minds of clients across the shipping sector. Hamburg Süd’s travel arm played a vital role in supporting crew movements and business travel for one of Germany’s most iconic shipping lines. 

That legacy continues under the ATPI name. When German clients hear that we are the former Hamburg Süd travel agency, the response is one of trust, continuity, and deep-rooted expertise. And operationally, our ongoing partnership with Lufthansa City Centre (the world’s largest independent travel agency franchise network) further strengthens our ability to offer competitive volume pricing, while maintaining the high standards Germans shipping sector expects. 

Supporting global mobility from a maritime hub 

With our presence in Hamburg, ATPI Marine Travel is better positioned than ever to deliver seamless, resilient, and crew-centric travel solutions. From managing complex crew changes to supporting wellbeing and compliance across borders, our work is closely tied to the pulse of the shipping industry. 

As Germany continues to lead in maritime trade and sustainability, we remain committed to evolving alongside it. From port to planet, we’re proud to call Hamburg home, and even prouder to support those who keep the world trade moving forward.