Hamburg-based Rickmers-Linie is one of the world's leading specialists in the global sea transportation of project and heavy-lift cargo. With more than 175 years to its name, the company today provides a worldwide network of liner services for the transportation of breakbulk, project cargo and heavy lift cargo. Rickmers currently owns or longterm charters 18 specialist vessels and spot charters others. In September 2011, the company announced the establishment of a partnership with US-based Maersk Line Limited, Norfolk, VA, to jointly offer US-flag services.
Rickmers-Linie has invested in terminal facilities specialized in the handling of breakbulk, heavy-lift and project cargo. In Antwerp, a joint venture was formed with DP World and Conti-Lines, called DP World Breakbulk NV. Rickmers-Linie has a share of 20% in this joint venture. In Hamburg, Rickmers-Linie purchased a 25.1% stake in Wallmann & Co. These investments are part of a strategy to safeguard know-how and access to handling facilities for breakbulk and project cargo and enables Rickmers-Linie to offer value added services such as packing, storage and other related services at the terminal.
Rickmers-Linie constantly strives to improve service quality and to increase overall efficiency. This has inspired the company to develop a software solution that changes stowage planning and cargo management completely. Cargo items are digitalised to a realistic CAD model for the simulation of cargo lifting, handling and bedding on its vessels - for the benefit of an optimised cargo flow with a reduced risk of damage to the cargo.
Rickmers-Linie belongs to Rickmers Group, which offers diversified activities in the segments of Maritime Assets, Maritime Services and Logistics Services. Rickmers Group currently manages a fleet of 122 vessels. The group is based in Hamburg, Germany, and has more than 20 offices and a widespread agency network across the world.
