Uber  diese  und  viele  andere  Arbeiten  des  BSH  informiert  Sie  dieser
Jahresbericht.  Positive  Ergebnisse  sind  nur  mit  Professionalität  und  großem
Einsatz  zu  erreichen.  Ein  ganz  besonderer  Dank  gilt  daher  dem  Engagement
unserer  Mitarbeiterinnen  und  Mitarbeiter.  Das  BSH  ist  damit  gut  aufgestellt,  um
auch  neue  Herausforderungen  zu  meistern.

PREFACE
The  BSH  is  a  partner  to  shipping,  the  environmental  sector,  and  the  maritime
industry,  which  includes  its  engagement  at  the  international  level.  These
responsibilities  shape  our  daily  work.  Looking  back  on  2005,  we  remember
especially  the  tsunami  and  hurricane  catastrophes,  which  are  poignant
reminders  of  the  threats  posed  by  the  oceans  and  of  the  vital  importance  of
forecasting  services  operating  on  a  sound  scientific  basis.
A  positive  development  has  been  reported  by  the  German  shipping  industry,
which  has  strengthened  its  role  in  global  maritime  transport.  The  focus
in  this  sector  still  Is  on  the  promotion  of  shipping  and  elimination  of  the  lack  of
qualified  ship’s  officers.  In  spite  of  severe  budget  cuts  and  personnel  shortages,
the  BSH  has  again  successfully  accomplished  Its  tasks.  For  example,
all  German  sea  areas  are  now  covered  by  official  electronic  navigational  charts,
which  contribute  to  the  safety  of  navigation.
Our  range  of  activities  Is  influenced  strongly  by  the  introduction  of  new  ocean
uses,  especially  offshore  energy  production.  It  Is  Important  In  this  regard  to
achieve  a  sound  balance  among  the  different  Interests  without  neglecting
sustainable  protection  of  the  marine  environment.  In  the  past  year,
planning  approval  was  granted  for  several  offshore  wind  farms,  and  certain  sea
areas  were  designated  preferred  areas  for  wind  farm  development.
An  important  prerequisite  for  future  developments  and  long-range  planning  is
the  availability  of  reliable  geospatial  data.  For  that  reason,  we  have  begun
developing  a  linkable  geodata  Infrastructure,  which  will  also  strengthen  our
position  internationally.
Information  about  these  and  many  other  activities  of  the  BSH  is  provided  In  this
Annual  Report.  Professionalism  and  dedication  are  needed  to  achieveposltlve
results.  Therefore,  I  would  like  to  thank  all  employees  of  the  BSH  for
their  high  commitment  and  loyalty.  Thanks  to  them,  the  BSH  is  well  placed  to
face  present  and  future  challenges.