Two German marine associations have merged to create one organisation for the maritime industry in the country.
The merger follows the rebranding of the German Water Sports Industry Association Bundesverband Wassersportwirtschaft (BVWW) to Verband Maritime Wirtschaft (VMWD).
In a further step, the Deutscher Boots-und Schiffbauer-Verband (DSBV) has merged with the VMWD, a merger approved unanimously by members of both organisations.
The members of BVWW had previously approved the name change and new articles of association.
The association’s headquarters will be in Cologne, while the previous DBSV office in Hamburg will remain.
Newly appointed technical officer, Johannes Christophers, will be based in Hamburg.
The association is taking another important step into the future.
Karsten Stahlhut
VMWD says the new look, with the introduction of a new logo, will provide an example of change, progress and a contemporary external image, underlining its dynamism and future orientation.
“The wave in the logo reflects many aspects of the association’s work,” explained Karsten Stahlhut, MD of VMWD.
“With the new design, the association is taking another important step into the future and strengthening its position in the public eye as a strong and innovative organisation,” added Claus-Ehlert Meyer, who will manage the VMWD together with Karsten.
The first general meeting of the VMWD will take place on 4 September 2025 in Hamburg. The members will then elect the association’s new executive committee and vote on the new membership fee regulations.
The new association represents all companies active in the maritime industry and is the conceptual sponsor of boot Düsseldorf which takes place annually in January.
