Paul Rickmers (1876-1946)

Paul Rickmers (1876-1946)

Paul Rickmers is born in Bremerhaven in 1873. After training in business, he starts work at the Rickmers shipyard. His initial tasks include monitoring the first construction abroad of iron ships.

In 1898, he is appointed to the Board of Management of Rickmers Reismühlen, Rhederei und Schiffbau AG.

In 1904, he leaves the Board following disagreements with his uncle Andreas about the management of the company.

In 1905, he founds a trading house in Hamburg called Rickmers & Co.

In 1910, he returns to Rickmers Reismühlen, Rhederei und Schiffbau AG and becomes a Board member. After the departure of his uncle Andreas Rickmers, Paul Rickmers manages Rickmers AG. Under his management, the company adopts a new strategic approach, which results in the consistent expansion of the shipowning business.

In 1912, he sets up two regular services under the Rickmers flag, the Rickmers Siberia Line and the Rickmers East Asia Line. The ships on the Siberian line depart every other week from Bremerhaven or Hamburg via Chinese harbours for Japan and Vladivostok.

In 1917, following a long dispute regarding his management approach and the strategic future of the company, he buys out the shares held by his siblings and becomes the sole owner of Rickmers Reismühlen, Rhederei und Schiffbau AG.

In 1920, Paul Rickmers brings together the shipping business under the name Rickmers-Linie.

In 1924, he closes the Rickmers shipyard due to a dearth of orders.

In 1931, he moves to Switzerland.

In 1937, he reopens the shipyard in order to profit from the new demand for ships.