Technology. Strategy. Global dialogue. For three days, RENK became the focal point of future-oriented naval thinking: From May 26 to 28, the RENK Group welcomed senior representatives from navies, defense industries, academia and government institutions to its headquarters in Augsburg for the Naval Expert Symposium 2025. The event served as a high-level platform to discuss current threats, explore the strategic significance of maritime power, and identify the technological innovations required for the years ahead.
“We don’t just observe the challenges – we are actively engineering the solutions,” said RENK CEO Dr. Alexander Sagel in his opening remarks. “We are investing in the technologies that will shape naval capabilities for the next decade – and we are doing so with purpose.”
Context: Sea lanes under pressure – and under discussion
The symposium took place against the backdrop of increasing maritime tensions worldwide. As conflicts in the Gulf of Aden, the Baltic Sea and the Indo-Pacific intensify, the freedom of navigation and the resilience of global supply chains have become geopolitical priorities. Yet, as many speakers emphasized, public and political awareness – especially in Europe – often remains overly focused on land and air forces, neglecting the growing importance of maritime infrastructure and naval capabilities.
RENK’s strategic direction: Naval focus and global reach
COO Dr. Emmerich Schiller used the dinner keynote to emphasize RENK’s commitment to becoming a leading force in naval propulsion. “Naval strength is no longer optional – it is a strategic imperative. RENK is ready to deliver.”
He highlighted RENK’s recent international advances:
- The acquisition of Cincinnati Gearing Systems in the U.S. – strengthening RENK’s footprint in the world’s largest naval market
- The first-ever order intake in Japan
- Active engagement in European cooperation programs such as EDINAF and the EPC (European Patrol Corvette) initiative
Schiller also stressed the importance of agility and production speed in the current security environment: “Innovation alone is not enough. What matters is how fast we can turn it into action.”
Across panels and presentations, three key technological trends emerged as essential drivers of naval modernization:
- Hybridization for enhanced efficiency and operational flexibility
- Systems engineering for integrated and resilient drive systems
- Digitalization for predictive maintenance and real-time control
These capabilities were presented not as future goals, but as necessary foundations for mission readiness and strategic deterrence in a complex world.
Keynotes: A global perspective on maritime power
Two keynote addresses highlighted the strategic and diplomatic dimensions of naval presence:
- Frigate Captain Stefan Rappelt, representing the German Navy, gave insights into the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024 – a landmark mission in defense diplomacy and maritime cooperation aimed at ensuring free and secure sea lanes in the region.
- In the evening, Professor Dr. Carlo Masala, one of Germany’s leading political scientists, called for a major rethink in Europe’s geostrategic priorities: “Everything that has happened in the past five years must be viewed through the lens of a new world order. Europe must recognize the geopolitical consequences of its economic dependencies – especially as major powers like China, Russia and the U.S. expand their maritime influence. If Europe wants to remain credible on the world stage, it must develop comprehensive naval capabilities.”
Conclusion: Maritime security is a shared responsibility
As the symposium made clear, naval forces play a decisive role in the global balance of power – and their effectiveness increasingly depends on technological leadership, industrial cooperation, and strategic foresight. With over 90 years of experience in propulsion systems and a clear focus on the future, RENK sees itself not just as a supplier, but as an active contributor to maritime security, alliance strength, and defense innovation.
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