Germany’s fleet has shrunk by more than 40% since its peak in autumn 2012. That is a particular worry when the global fleet grew by almost 30% in the same time span, according to Bremer Rhederverein, a regional association of shipowners.

Owners have sold nearly 2,000 ships since 2012, or about 33% of the country's fleet, according to VesselsValue. Nearly half were containerships.