Growth market: Shipbuilding in Greece

The maritime industry, which is so important for Greece, is on the brink of change. Among other things, the use of German products and services promises to shape this change in a meaningful way. Lean Maritime was on site from September 25 to 27, 2019 as part of a business delegation.

Greek shipowners are steadfast leaders in the global market. Shipbuilding has shaped Greece's economy for thousands of years. "The Greek flag flies over a fifth of the bulk goods shipped worldwide," says Holger Segler, Partner at Lean Maritime GmbH. Almost a third of all tankers are also in Greek hands.
This status can be expanded. The need is there, the demand for the construction and repair of ships is growing continuously in Greece. However, this project requires considerable innovation, as international regulations and global interests also require new technologies. Greek shipyards are still based on a tradition of craftsmanship. Many of them are already fully booked for years. A lean approach to the production process could help to meet the new requirements of the market and at the same time satisfy the growing demand.

Holger Segler spoke at the "Maritime Economy Greece" exhibition in Piraeus at the end of September about how exactly throughput times can be shortened using Lean methods in a cost-optimized manner and in compliance with the given quality criteria.
The aim of the exhibition was to bring German and Greek companies in the maritime industry together so that they can jointly exploit the respective advantages of their country and their expertise. As part of the symposium, 14 German participants presented their product and service offerings. "Greece is an important growth market in the maritime industry," says Holger Segler. "If, as in this case, a good team comes together, many companies can benefit from German-Greek cooperation."
The exhibition was organized by the German-Greek Chamber of Industry and Commerce from 25 to 27 September 2019. The company EAS, which produces high-performance batteries, and the Neptun shipyard were also on site. The exhibition was sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, personally represented by Ariane Kiesow.