6. How do you see the future of the German flag.

The German merchant fleet still ranks among the best in a worldwide comparison. Accompanied with the political package of measures and a continually improving service quality of the German flag, it becomes increasingly interesting for shipping companies to operate ships under German flag.

An increasing amount of ships under German flag creates the conditions to profit from the package of measures and maybe to perpetuate them.

A strong German flag provides training and employment and adds to the preservation of maritime knowhow in our country. This is how German interests can still be successfully represented in future negotiations with the International Maritime Organisation IMO and in European committees.