Resilience at Sea – How Good GRC Makes the Shipping Industry Crisis-Proof

The global shipping industry is defying the slowdown. Despite geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and weak industrial production in Europe, many shipping companies report stable or even growing business. This is surprising, given that most economic indicators point in the opposite direction: trade barriers are increasing, transport costs are rising, and global demand is softening.

Yet, according to the latest shipping survey by PwC Germany, the industry remains remarkably resilient. Ninety-three percent of the companies surveyed said their ships are fully utilized, and 58 percent expect further growth in the next twelve months. Only four percent anticipate a downturn. This confidence stands in sharp contrast to the broader economic situation and highlights how effective governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) practices contribute directly to stability.

Key Takeaways

• According to PwC Germany’s 2025 shipping survey, 93 percent of German shipping companies report full utilization, and 58 percent expect continued growth.
• Despite tariffs, trade conflicts, and weak industrial output, the sector remains robust.
• The main reason is strategic decoupling from the German economy and diversification across global markets.
• Strong GRC – meaning sound governance, effective risk management, and reliable compliance – is the key driver of resilience.

Economic Situation: Between Slowdown and Strength

Traditionally, the maritime sector serves as a barometer of global trade. But while many industrial sectors are struggling, the shipping industry shows impressive stability.

PwC’s 2025 shipping study, now in its 17th edition, paints a surprisingly positive picture. Despite political unrest, volatile energy prices, and new trade barriers, most fleets remain busy. The Baltic Exchange’s 2025 outlook also predicts moderate growth in container and LNG segments, while Fitch Ratings describes the global shipping outlook for 2025 as “stable,” despite ongoing market uncertainty.

This strength is no coincidence. Over the past years, shipping companies have systematically adapted their business models. Only about 30 percent now depend directly on Germany’s industrial output. Instead, they focus on global markets, long-term charter contracts, and specialized niches.

Why the Shipping Sector is Thriving Despite the Crisis

Several factors explain the shipping industry’s resilience:

1. Global Diversification
   Shipping companies have reduced their dependence on domestic markets. Operating in multiple regions allows them to offset weaknesses in individual economies.
2. Long-Term Charter Contracts
   Many carriers rely on multi-year agreements that guarantee stable income even when spot market rates fall.
3. Efficient Cost and Route Management
   Flexible rerouting, such as avoiding the Red Sea by sailing around the Cape of Good Hope, allows operators to manage geopolitical disruptions effectively.
4. Investment in Technology and Sustainability
   The use of digital systems and cleaner fuels (like LNG and methanol) not only ensures regulatory compliance but also provides long-term competitive advantages.
5. Solid Governance Structures
   Many shipping companies have strengthened their corporate governance with professional boards, risk committees, and compliance units – structures that were far less common a decade ago.

These factors form part of an integrated GRC approach – the foundation of today’s maritime resilience.

Governance: Stability Through Clear Leadership

Strong governance is the backbone of any resilient organization. Shipping companies that navigate uncertainty successfully have clear decision-making processes and transparent accountability structures.

In practice, this means that strategic decisions – regarding fleet expansion, financing, sustainability, or insurance – are made in close coordination with risk and compliance functions. Supervisory boards are not mere oversight bodies but active strategic partners.

Such governance models allow companies to react swiftly to market changes without losing control or consistency.

Risk Management: Early Warning for Geopolitical and Operational Threats

The shipping sector faces constant uncertainty: geopolitical conflicts, piracy, environmental regulations, fluctuating fuel prices, and cyberattacks. Effective risk management is therefore crucial.

Successful shipping companies use scenario planning to assess how trade wars, port strikes, or route blockages could impact operations. They continuously monitor key variables like fuel prices, insurance costs, and new regulations.

Cyber risk is now one of the top concerns. Digital systems on ships and in ports are increasingly vulnerable to attacks. According to PwC’s study, 78 percent of respondents now manage cybersecurity risks at the executive level – a major step toward operational resilience.

Compliance: Building Trust Through Integrity

Compliance is the third pillar of resilience, alongside governance and risk management. Regulatory pressure on shipping companies continues to grow – from emissions rules and ESG reporting to international trade and sanctions regulations.

Companies that take a proactive stance gain a clear advantage: they avoid fines, improve credit ratings, and strengthen stakeholder trust. ESG compliance is especially critical, as sustainability performance increasingly influences access to financing and new business.

A well-structured compliance management system, based on ISO 37301, provides the necessary framework. It standardizes procedures, simplifies audits, and ensures documentation of all key processes.

How Strong GRC Drives Resilience

Governance, Risk, and Compliance are no longer checkboxes for shipping companies – they are strategic enablers. GRC creates transparency, defines responsibilities, and ensures alignment with international standards.

By identifying and managing risks early, companies can maintain stability in volatile markets. The result is an industry that continues to grow – not because it is immune to crises, but because it is prepared for them.

Conclusion

Shipping remains a cornerstone of the global economy – and its resilience is no coincidence. Studies such as PwC’s 2025 survey make it clear: effective governance, solid risk management, and strong compliance practices distinguish resilient companies from vulnerable ones.

Organizations that view GRC as a strategic tool, not a regulatory burden, are better positioned to weather uncertainty. Governance provides navigation, risk management forecasts the storms, and compliance ensures the voyage stays on course. In short: good GRC is the compass that keeps the shipping industry steady, even in rough seas.

---

FAQ

Why is the shipping industry performing well despite the global slowdown?
Because many carriers have diversified internationally, secured long-term contracts, and strengthened their risk management systems.

What does the PwC Shipping Study 2025 reveal?
Ninety-three percent of shipping companies report full capacity utilization, and 58 percent expect growth – only four percent predict a decline.

What role does GRC play in the shipping industry?
GRC creates transparency, improves control, and ensures compliance with international regulations. It is the backbone of maritime resilience.

What are the main risks for shipping companies today?
Geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, cyberattacks, environmental regulations, and ESG reporting requirements are among the top challenges.

How can shipping companies improve their GRC practices?
By establishing clear governance structures, conducting regular risk assessments, implementing certified compliance systems (like ISO 37301), and using integrated digital GRC platforms for real-time oversight.