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Interview GERMAN MARITIME INDUSTRY Harald Fassmer ? Chairman, VSMIBy Peter Pospiech Harald Fassmer is the new Chairman of Verband für Schiffbau und Meerestechnik e. V. (VSM), the Ger- man organization representing the country?s politi- cal and commercial maritime industry interests. Mr. Fassmer also happens to be a ubiquitous  gure in the international maritime circuit, serving as ex- ecutive partner at Fr. Fassmer GmbH & Co.KG. In May, former VSM Chairman Werner Lüken handed over the reins to Mr. Fassmer, and here ? on the oc- casion of SMM in Hamburg ? he shares with Mari- time Professional?s Peter Pospeich insights on the future direction of the German Maritime industry. FIRST OF ALL, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR APPOINTMENT AS CHAIR- MAN OF VSM. ALREADY A MEMBER OF THE VSM STEERING COMMITTEE, AND AS SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMAN IN YOUR OWN RIGHT, WHAT LED TO YOUR APPOINTMENT AS CHAIRMAN?The steering committee asked if I want to take over the as- signment as a Chairman for the next cycle. I?m looking for- ward into this additional assignment and I?m honored with the con dence that has been placed to me. IN GERMANY, WE HAVE A SAYING: ?A NEW BROOM SWEEPS CLEAN.? WHAT WILL BE YOUR FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT ACTIVITY? Our previous Chairman, Mr. Lüken, has represented the in- terests of the Association in an excellent manner and I hope that I can do this in the same way. Your adage saying ?a new broom sweeps clean? is therefore not appropriate. Nevertheless, we are seeing a permanent change of the political and economic framework. Therefore, the concerns of VSM have to be adapt- able. That?s because VSM represents the political and com- mercial interests of the German maritime industry, comprising shipyards building oceangoing and inland waterway vessels as well as marine equipment suppliers, classi cation societies, ship model basins and engineering consultants. The respon- sibilities of the association include providing members with specialist advisory and support services and representing their interests in public and vis-à-vis political institutions. The VSM also promotes technical and commercial development in the shipbuilding and ocean industry in Germany and abroad. The Association represents its members nationally and internation-ally. VSM is a member of BDI (Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie e. V.), the German Society for Maritime Technology STG (Schiffbautechnischen Gesellschaft), the European ship- building organization CESA (Community of European Ship- yards? Associations) as well as the association of equipment manufacturers EMEC (European Marine Equipment Council). DURING THE VSM GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN HAMBURG, YOU ALLUDED TO ?MASTERING THE CHALLENGES IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SPECIAL-PURPOSE VESSELS.? WHAT DOES THAT ACTUALLY MEAN AND HOW DO YOU GO FORWARD? In spite of existing problems, shipbuilding and marine tech- nology in Germany are well positioned in a European compar- ison and form the basis of a maritime growth strategy. This is essential for overcoming maritime targets, ranging from green shipping to regenerative energy supply, particularly in the  eld of offshore wind energy. Numerous challenges remain. More dif cult  nancing options, caused by the increase in equity capital requirements and unwillingness by banks to accept new risk lead to considerable problems in ship  nancing. There- fore, functioning  nancing instruments are essential. For ex- ample, this involves the necessary adaptation and expansion of export credit insurance and federal state guarantees. The legal requirements for ship safety as well as marine environmental and climate protection pose additional challenges. With the implementation of new environmental standards, economic The 48 year old Harald Fassmer, Managing Director of the family-owned enterprise ship- yard Fr. Fassmer GmbH & Co. KG, has been elected as Chairman of the German ?Verband für Schiffbau und Meerestechnik, VSM, e.V? 18 | Maritime Professional | 3Q 2012