J. Johannsen & Sohn: 125 years
The Lübeck tugboat company J. Johannsen & Sohn is now celebrating its 125th anniversary. The company's founder and Captain Joachim Johannsen began in 1896 with the unloading of goods from sailing ships lying on the river Trave using specially purchased flat bottomed ships.
Together with Joachim's son Eduard, the Johannsen family also started the first ship assists and towing operations. After this successful beginning, the tugboat company continued to develop over four more generations.
Since 2007, Michael Schaefer has successfully continued his great-great-grandfather's business. The company now employs over 180 people at five locations. The small group of companies has increased its turnover by about 150% over the last two years. (cj)