Rickmers celebrates 175th anniversary

12.06.2009

A family’s involvement in shipping

How it all began: 175 years ago, in June 1834, Rickmer Clasen Rickmers, born on the island of Heligoland, founded the Rickmers shipyard in Bremerhaven, thus 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.



Rickmer Linie, press release