The Maritime Competence Centre: Our services
From shipowners and port operators to financiers of shipping projects, companies within the maritime industry are currently facing similar challenges: Regulation is increasing, as is the pressure to decarbonise. At the same time, digitalisation is reshuffling the cards. While this market environment has its stumbling blocks, it also offers opportunities for growth. PwC Germany's Maritime Competence Centre helps shipowners and shipping companies to stay on course and offers comprehensive navigational support.
We are well positioned to assist companies and public authorities in the shipping sector on any issue they may face - from strategy and corporate transactions, through tax and legal aspects, to auditing and reporting, and the integration of non-financial information into reporting.
Advisory
Your expert for questions
Dr André Wortmann
Partner, Head of Maritime Competence Centre
PwC Germany
Tel.: +49 40 6378-1414
Email
Our expertise in consulting
We support shipowners in overcoming the hurdles that shipping companies are currently facing. Take us on board for the development and implementation of strategies, transactions and restructurings or the optimisation of administrative and operational processes. We can provide advice on project, change and risk management, IT transformation or cyber security. All of these services and more are available from a single source: our team provides excellent expertise in the maritime industry.
"We develop individual and needs-based solutions for shipping companies and other players in the maritime industry. We support you to future-proof your business."
Our services
Strategy consulting
We will guide you in the development and implementation of sustainable strategies and steer your ship on the right course.
Transaction consulting
We offer integrated advice in all phases of a transaction: From deal initiation or price negotiations to due diligence or post-merger integration.
ESG
Our interdisciplinary team made up of environmental, social and governance (ESG) experts and maritime industry professionals will provide you with support on all issues related to the sustainability of your business.
Digital transformation
THE digitalisation? There is no such thing. The reason for this is that digitalisation affects every company differently. We can address your individual needs and bring experts on board to help with the digital transformation of your business.
Restructuring
Large parts of the maritime industry are particularly cyclical. Readjustments are therefore always necessary. We have a highly experienced restructuring team that is familiar with the specifics of shipping companies and other players in the maritime industry.
Organisation and processes
Competitiveness requires efficient and resilient internal processes. Secure your competitiveness with our support and know-how in the shipping sector.
The PwC Deals Platform
Our deals platform offers integrated services for the entire transaction process from a single source. The process begins with the initiation of a deal and extends to the creation of value after the transaction has been completed. Which goals provide which increase in value? What conditions must be created to achieve this? How does 1+1 add up to more than 2? The team provides support for all types of deals: From acquisitions and sales to IPOs, carve-outs, restructurings and reorganisations.
Tax & Legal
Your expert for questions
Marcus Blömer
Partner, Head of Tax & Legal, Maritime Competence Centre
PwC Germany
Tel.: +49 40 6378-8435
Email
Our expertise in Tax & Legal
From shipping companies and port operators to financiers, companies in the maritime industry operate both nationally and internationally in very dynamic markets. The result is a high pressure to adapt, but there are also numerous opportunities for development. In short, we look at risks and opportunities. Shipping is characterised by a high degree of internationality, complex regulation and specific tax issues. As a shipping company, this means legal and tax pitfalls, but also structuring potential.
"With our many years of international experience covering all aspects of ships and the maritime industry, we can provide shipping companies and other companies in the sector with comprehensive support in the areas of tax and law. We always maintain an overview of all tax-related issues and develop ideal solutions for your company - regardless of whether you are active regionally or globally."
Our services
Transaction consulting
From strategic considerations to tax due diligence and post-deal integration, we can provide you with all the legal and tax transaction advice you will need from a single source.
Joint Venture
Our team provides advice on the tax and legal planning and implementation of joint ventures and accompanies you throughout the entire process to keep your company on course.
Restructuring
Our globally networked teams can offer advice on how to optimise your structure. Whether company acquisition, conversion or spin-off - no matter which route you choose, you will always receive comprehensive support from us.
Defence Consultancy
Whether it's the preparation of expert opinions, the handling of objection proceedings or the support of fiscal court proceedings - we stay by your side and support you in navigating through uncertain waters.
Indirect taxes
Our experts can provide advice on indirect taxation in both a national and international context. We make sure that you comply with all legal standards.
Ongoing tax advice
We take over tax compliance so that you can concentrate on the operational business. This includes, for example, the preparation of payroll accounting or tax returns.
Structural consultancy
We provide advice on the perfect alignment of your organisational structure, in both a national and international context.
Association support
We provide support to organisations in the public sector as well as institutions under private law with our many years of expertise.
Non-wage labour costs in the shipping industry
With the financial support of the federal government to reduce non-wage labour costs, shipping companies are exempted from social security contributions to the tune of millions of euros every year. The interdisciplinary teams of PwC's Maritime Competence Centre are there to support you in all phases of the application and proof-of-use process. Benefit from our decades of experience in the field of maritime non-wage labour costs.
Auditing and audit-related services
Your expert for questions
Alexander Fernis
Partner, Auditor, Tax Consultant
PwC Germany
Tel.: +49 40 6378-1846
Email
Our Expertise in Auditing and Accounting
Market conditions in the maritime sector are changing rapidly, and the demands on shipping companies and other companies in the industry are becoming increasingly diverse. For example, focus has shifted to the comparability of financial statements according to international accounting standards.
The topic of sustainability has also come into focus under the catchword ESG - i.e. environment, social and good corporate governance. The order of the day: Provide accurate and high-quality non-financial information in a timely manner. Auditing this information increases the trustworthiness of non-financial reporting - both internally and externally.
"Our teams work in a highly interdisciplinary manner to support shipping companies and other players in the maritime industry with economic, financial, legal, tax and accounting challenges."
Our services
Transaction consulting
After a transaction has taken place, it must be presented in the consolidated financial statements. We provide the support you need to ensure that you are aware of the accounting consequences of transactions.
IPO
An IPO can provide the necessary external capital for business growth, but it is costly and complex. We provide support throughout the entire IPO process.
Conversion to IFRS or US-GAAP
A change in accounting becomes necessary, for example, after a takeover or when an investor or IPO enters the company. We will support you in this.
Audit of annual and consolidated financial statements
Auditing is more than just an opinion on the annual financial statements. Objective judgements by external parties increase the reliability of information for every decision-maker.
Support with financial reporting
We are available to offer advice on specific issues, the selection of digital solutions, structuring advice and the establishment and operation of a finance function.
Internal auditing
We provide advice on the structure and set-up of internal auditing, ensure functionality and quality, provide support during audits or even take over this role entirely.
Advice and support for the conversion of IT systems
We offer suitable solutions for all aspects of process analysis, documentation and optimisation. As an auditor or consultant, we provide support right up to the final implementation.
Audit of financial statements for a specific purpose
No matter for which group of addressees in or outside your company you are compiling information - special audit services will provide you with security.
Sustainability reporting
We will guide you effortlessly through the jungle of regulatory requirements and non-financial reporting standards - either as an auditor or as a consultant.
Forensic Services
Do you know how to respond correctly in the event of bribery, fraud, corruption or other offences and emerge from such crises stronger than before? We can help you with this.
Enforcement Services
From preparation of the enforcement procedure to support during the audit and joint follow-up - we are the perfect partner.
Sustaining Values
Our "Sustaining Values" platform comprises of a broad range of sustainability consulting services and provides our clients with comprehensive support in their transformation to a sustainable company. This includes the impact of climate change on business models, sustainable supply chains and the circular economy, as well as the requirements for sustainable finance, sustainability reporting and corporate digital responsibility. One thing is certain: Sustainability is no longer just a trend, but probably the most important factor for success in the future. That is why we take a comprehensive approach to sustainability - from strategy to implementation and reporting.
Public Sector Consultancy
Your expert for questions
Karin Meyer zu Bergsten
Partner, Ship Financing Manager
PwC Germany
Tel.: +49 40 6378-1798
Email
Our expertise in the public sector
Innovation, entrepreneurship and a global market presence are what makes companies in the maritime industry competitive. The past few years in particular have underlined the special systemic relevance within the shipping industry (container ships or shipping partnerships).
Establishing market access and equal opportunities is one of the duties of the public sector. Industry associations and social partners support the public sector in ensuring a fair competitive environment and a high level of innovation. They contribute the necessary know-how and ensure appropriate working conditions. In addition to shipbuilding and the supply industry, the sea- and land-based logistics infrastructure necessary for German industrial and export interests is being expanded and improved. Special attention is paid to future technologies and the accelerated expansion of offshore energy infrastructure, which is being built and maintained by maritime partners.
"We develop suitable solutions based on our broad and international network expertise and support their implementation and management."
Our services
Strategic advice
Strategic advice on possible courses of action for the public sector within the competitive environment and regarding political requirements.
Implementation of measures
Implementation of measures under comprehensive (state aid) legal and commercial assessment.
Management support programmes
Further development of support measures and programmes for shipping, shipbuilding and innovation.
Loan structuring
Support for public contracts, for example in shipbuilding - from advice on a tender free of appeals to the selection of a technically and financially capable shipyard.
Shipbuilding award
Assessment of credit risks and preparation of mitigating security and structuring concepts for public risk takers.
Advice on state aid law
State aid assessments on financing, guarantees, warranties and other public sector measures.
Managing shipyard risks
Shipbuilding project controlling and construction progress monitoring to ensure timely, technical and imputed contract compliance for public financiers and guarantors.
