“Due to high labour costs and lack of natural resources there has always been high pressure on German maritime equipment suppliers. This led to specialisation and innovation. We export nearly all of what we produce, so we have to find our partners throughout the world, listen to them and adapt to their needs,” he said.

Strahberger adds that when he talks to fellow leaders in the industry, “there is no single topic that is No 1 on everyone’s agenda — it depends on the state of the company.