Their family has been involved in shipping for 175 years. They are the fifth generation and today run two independent groups of companies: Bertram and Erck Rickmers, entrepreneurs and ship owners from Hamburg, will be celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Rickmers family in shipping today, June 12, 2009. The festivities will be under the heading: “One family – two companies”. The day will start with a symposium, where distinguished professors from international universities will examine ways to overcome the global crisis. In the evening, the mayor of Hamburg Ole von Beust will host a reception for the Rickmers brothers and their anniversary guests in the banquet hall at Hamburg’s City Hall after which more than 50 family members and 400 invited guests will celebrate the special day at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce. Also to mark the occasion of the foundation of the Rickmers Shipyard 175 years ago, the German Shipping Museum in Bremerhaven is presenting a special exhibition from 20th June 2009 until 17th January 2010.
175 years ago, in June 1834, Rickmer Clasen Rickmers, founded the Rickmers shipyard in Bremerhaven, laying the foundations for the family’s long involvement in the shipping business. In addition to the shipyard and the shipping business, the trained ship builder also became involved in rice trading. By 1890, under the management of the second Rickmers generation, the Rickmers Rice Mill had developed into one of the leading rice processing companies in Europe. The following generations entered into steam shipping, the Asia trade as well as liner services. Wars and new beginnings also determined their actions. Thus the Rickmers history also reflects the social history of the early 19th century. Today, Bertram and Erck Rickmers, the fifth generation of entrepreneurs, run two independent groups of companies, employing more than 5000 people both ashore and at sea.