The German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM) is the political and economic representative of the German maritime industry.

With approximately 200,000 highly skilled employees working in the complex value chain for the production and maintenance of ships, boats and offshore installations for commercial, governmental and private customers worldwide, shipbuilding & ocean industries forms a core element of the maritime economy in Germany.

The VSM directly and indirectly represents more than 700 enterprises and organizations: from specialized universities, research institutions and other service providers through manufacturers of materials, components and systems up to shipyards as system integrators.

Established in 1884 the VSM provides its members with a wealth of practical services and represents their interests at the federal and state level as well as with the relevant European and international institutions

In the e4ships innovation cluster, the VSM, together with the project partners, is largely responsible for the development of technical regulations and public relations. While the associated demonstration projects extend fuel cell technology to higher power classes and ship types, the innovation cluster supports the transfer of research results to regulatory bodies as well as the accompanying national and international lobbying. Through this work, important regulatory milestones have already been achieved that now enable the efficient use of fuel cells on board seagoing and inland vessels.