Last Updated on September 25, 2025 by PALFINGER
Our ocean sustains us all. That’s why the theme of this year’s World Maritime Day – “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” – represents the perfect embodiment of PALFINGER MARINE’s commitment to creating solutions that make maritime operations cleaner, safer, and more reliable.
The World Maritime Day highlights the ocean’s vital role and reminds us of our shared duty to protect it. Established in 1978 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations (UN), it spotlights shipping as a backbone of the global economy. This year’s theme – “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” – aims to highlight the fact that the ocean provides half the oxygen we breathe, supports billions of livelihoods, stabilizes the climate, and carries over 80 % of world trade. Given its landlocked location, the day may not be particularly visible in PALFINGER MARINE’s homeland Austria, yet it galvanizes action worldwide through symposia, school programs, and industry events. As a key supplier to the global shipping and offshore industries, PALFINGER recognizes its responsibility and commitment to creating long-term value for future generations.
We Deliver Impact Across the Board
PALFINGER MARINE’s current lifting and service solutions mirror this commitment. Our fully electric cranes operate without hydraulic oil, eliminating the risk of spills. They also cut operating costs and shorten service times. Right from the outset, we perceived a shift from hydraulic to electric as an opportunity to drive innovation and react to a strong industry demand. We design for dependable operation, even during power outages, by prioritizing low energy consumption and an optimal balance of operational and investment costs for our customers – always with operator safety in mind.
In offshore operations, time is critical. Less maintenance translates into fewer interventions and less transport, resulting in a smaller environmental footprint. Meanwhile, high-quality corrosion protection minimizes the necessity of repainting and part replacement. Biodegradable gear oils, extended lifespans, enhanced safety and reliability, and ongoing product simplification – all reduce environmental impact while improving operator experience.
The Journey to Diversification
Klaus Schreiber, Vice President Sales & Service Marine and Special Solutions, is well-versed in the history of PALFINGER MARINE. Who better to talk about how we have evolved over time? “While we were initially mostly known for our cranes, we are now a major supplier of high-quality deck equipment, lifting and handling solutions, and lifesaving appliances for all types of vessels used within the shipping industry,” he explains and adds:
In fact, the marine business currently accounts for approximately 12 % of PALFINGER’s group revenue.
We actually entered the marine business long before the establishment of PALFINGER MARINE as a separate entity. “Our first marine cranes were derivatives of our original loader cranes. Over time, it became clear that shipyards and vessel builders require more than that,” Klaus recalls. “The demand for more tailored solutions acted as a catalyst for our strategic evolution into a full deck equipment supplier,” he adds.
A string of acquisitions in markets such as the Netherlands and Norway between 2010 and 2017 drove the diversification idea even further. “Historically, our focus on Europe and the truck crane business resulted in strong exposure to the economic cycles of the construction industry. Diversifying our portfolio to embrace new products and industries has allowed us to become more resilient and balance market fluctuations,” Klaus concludes.
An Incredible Path of Evolution
We have come a long way. Today, our offshore handling systems are delivered turnkey from design to lifelong service. They include A-frames typically used for anchor and buoy handling, cranes for transferring materials between vessels while compensating for wave movements, and winches for anchoring, mooring, towing, and lifting. Our innovative Slipway Systems and Mission Bay Handling Solutions revolutionize launching and recovering boats at sea. We also offer compact, foldable knuckle-boom cranes for aquaculture service vessels, workboats, and live fish carriers.
Besides, we support offshore wind operations with reliable rescue boats and corresponding davits. Our innovative Offshore Passenger Transfer System (OPTS) facilitates safe, 3D compensated transfer of people between a moving vessel and a static offshore structure. Our deck equipment, boats and davits, as well as fenders, withstand harsh conditions across merchant, bulk, tanker, cargo, and carrier vessels. We even equip arctic operations with tailored “polar packages”. It’s been quite the journey!
Meet us at Europort in Rotterdam
Interested in experiencing our journey firsthand? The upcoming Europort, one of the leading international exhibitions for maritime technology and shipbuilding with a strong focus on specialized vessels and offshore solutions, represents the perfect opportunity. Our stand will showcase our comprehensive offshore portfolio, including the immensely popular PK65002M knuckle boom crane with DNV approval. In the spirit of the “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” theme, we are proud to highlight our fast, professional on‑site support facilitated by a global service network. Quick response times and smarter maintenance protocols afford us an opportunity to reduce environmental impact even further. Decarbonization, digitalization, lifecycle service, and operational safety – there’s loads to talk about in Rotterdam between the 4th and 7th of November. We hope to see you soon!
If you can’t make the trip to Rotterdam, keep an eye open for further product updates and exciting innovations right here!