The shipowner Harro Kniffka together with the Schlüssel
Reederei founded the Hansa Mare Reederei in Bremen in
1992. Before that Mr Kniffka had worked for well-known
shipping companies in New York and Hamburg for more than 30 years. The 50 % shares in the Hansa Mare Reederei continue to be indirectly held by the Kniffka family via Hanseatic Lloyd Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Bremen.

Dr. Jens Meier-Hedde

Until 31st August 2008, Dr. Meier-Hedde was the Managing Partner of the co-founder, Schlüssel Reederei, which holds a 50 % share in the Hansa Mare Reederei, and was one of the two Managing Directors of the Hansa Mare Reederei ever since the shipping company was founded. Dr. Meier-Hedde gave up his position as Managing Director with effect from 1st April 2008 and went into retirement at the end of August 2008. His successor is Dr. Andreas Opatz.