ISSUE NO. 11 | MAY 2010 CORPORATE INFORMATION OF F. LAEISZ GROUP

Electronicversionavailable as download at www.laeisz.de

DIGITAL FLEETNEWS!

Photovoltaics harnessing the sunsee page 3

On board administration softwaresee page 6

Ferdinand Laeisz in his own wordssee page 7

SOLAR ENERGY IN ITALY GL SHIPMANAGER COMPANY HISTORY

NAMING CEREMONY MV “PORTO”

On 26 January 2010, the latest addition to our modern container fleet was delivered from Wadan Yards at Rostock-Warnemünde. MV “Porto“ left the port of Rostock on 30 January 2010 heading for Hamburg where the naming ceremony of this 225 meter long vessel was to be celebrated the following week. MV “Porto” has a total capacity of 2.798 standard twenty foot containers (TEU) and an ef-fective intake of 2.139 TEU based on 14 tons per container. The container capacity includes 400 sto-wage positions for reefer containers. In today‘s envi-ronment with an ongoing discussion of greenhouse emissions and high fuel costs, MV “Porto” meets our full expectations with her modern design fea-tures. The main engine’s equipment offers a wide flexibility with regard to economical voyage speed and fuel consumption. It allows charterers to save several tons of bunker per day compared to other vessel types within this segment. The ship’s maxi-mum speed is 22 knots. It can also be operated at

super slow steaming with a speed down to about 12 knots for very economical consumption. The propul-sion power is transmitted from the main engine type MAN 7L70MC to the propeller shaft. At maximum 108 revolutions the engine produces 21.770kw. On full speed it consumes 81 metric tons per day. Electrical power is provided by three Wärtsilä auxi-liary engines with maximum power of 1360kw of each unit and one Wärtsilä auxiliary engine with maximum power of 1020kw. To ensure good ma-noeuvering capability a 1.100kw strong bow thru-ster is installed. The vessel meets all international regulation requirements. Considering the current difficult market situation and the high number of unemployed tonnage within this size, we are happy to have secured a charter with Hapag Lloyd for their North Europe - Mediterranean - Australia Service with round voyage frequency of approximately three months. The maiden voyage took MV “Porto” from Hamburg to Australia via the Suez Canal.

EDITORIAL

BOOK REVIEWS

RenewableEnergies –Safeguarding the Future with New Energy

by Sven Geitmann

N. H. Schües

Yours truly

DEAR FRIENDS

More book reviews on page 8

Good mood is in the air, and we are grateful for that. But one swallow does not make a summer. Market par- ticipants should bear that in mind, because, yes, rates are increasing, but, no, they are by far not anywhere near levels owners can live on. Our newbuilding programme is, at to-day’s market, a burden, but a bur-den we are able to carry. Regarding financial shortcomings within the fleet in water, we were able to find so-lutions. Strong waves demand clear steering, that is what we have pre-pared for during the good years past. So at Laeisz, even though in trou-bled waters, we concentrate on what we know best: managing ships to the full satisfaction of our charterers.

ISSUE NO. 11 | MAY 2010 | PAGE 2 CORPORATE INFORMATION OF F. LAEISZ GROUP

SETTING YOUR FOCUS

Thanks to this year’s strong winter and persistent frost, the christening of MV “Porto” on 5 February 2010 was an event to remember and clearly stands out from other enjoyable naming ceremonies. It took part with all traditional activities on the sea side and not as one would expect at the pier. Ow-ners and guests such as ship yard representatives, bankers, charterers, insurers, ship’s register of-ficials as well as Reederei F. Laeisz employees

gathered at St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, Hamburg’s well-known pier area, for a warm welcome by the Master of the tug “Bugsier 18”. With everybody as-sembled on the aft deck including the ship’s sponsor Mrs. Helga Juniel, the tug left for Burchardkai Con-tainer Terminal. On this very cold and clear winter day, the river Elbe was covered with ice floes which made the scenic ride a truly remarkable experience. During the approach of MV “Porto” berthing at Burchardkai, the modern 2800 TEU Container ves-sel allowed for many great photo opportunities. Slowly, the tug manoeuvred close to the bow where the ship’s crew had installed a construction holding

Towards the end of 2009, an exhibition at the Chamber of Commerce in Hamburg showed the work of the last 45 years by world-famous photogra-pher Ulli Mack. In January 2010, on closing of the exhibition, F. Laeisz group Chairman Mr. Nikolaus W. Schües visited Professor Ulrich Mack in his Hamburg studio. To his great surprise, Mr. Schües saw a drawing of the well-known bow emblem of the research vessel “Polarstern” on Professor Mack’s desk, who explained that this emblem was designed

the famous bottle of champagne. A trigger was con-nected to a long heaving line and then lowered close to the water where it was picked-up by a tug crew member and handed to Mrs. Juniel. The proud god-mother then spoke the christening motto: “I name this beautiful ship Porto, and wish you and your crew always happy passages. May there always be enough water beneath your keel, and may you return safely at all times”. As Mrs. Juniel activated the release mechanism, the bottle smashed against the star-board bow and burst under the applause of all pre-sent. The typhoon whistles of MV “Porto” and “Bug-sier 18” confirmed a happy and successful christening as the tug circled several times close to MV “Porto” which was beautifully decorated with Laeisz funnel, company flag and bow emblem.

Celebrations continued with festive speeches over lunch at the Hamburg Harbour Club. Once again, heartfelt thanks were addressed to Mrs. Juniel, ship builders, financers, German Lloyd representa-tives and charterers. In the afternoon, Captain Kis-lov and Chief Engineer Zubkov returned to the ves-sel conveying very best wishes from everybody to crew and ship. In keeping with tradition, the bottle neck and brass plaque with christening motto were delivered on board for good luck.

Professor Ulrich Mack at his desk during the visit in January 2010.

RV “POLARSTERN” AND THE ARTS

NAMING CEREMONY MV “PORTO”

by him at request of the Alfred-Wegener-Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI). In the following conversation, Mr. Nikolaus W. Schües explained the close connection between Reederei F. Laeisz, the Alfred-Wegener-Institute (AWI) and RV “Polarstern”. Professor Mack graciously presented the original drawing as a gift to our company and acknowledged its authenticity with his signature as shown below.

Following on from last year’s im-pressive results, we are happy to an-nounce the 2010 Fleet News Photo Competition! Once again, participa-tion is open to all sea and land based Reederei F. Laeisz staff as well as our colleagues of subsidiary companies, basically anybody with enthusiasm and an eye for photog-raphy. For this exciting new contest we want you to send us your favou-rite pictures of “Lighthouses and Navigation Aides”. The lucky win-ners will be announced in the au-tumn edition. The three best entries will be awarded valuable prizes. You may submit up to three photos cre-ated by yourself. Please add your name, address and e-mail address as well as photo title, location and date when it was taken. All pub-lished photos will credit your name and the position you are holding.

Only digital entries can be accep ted (JPEG). Files must not exceed 5 MB. Closing date is September 1, 2010. Please send your photos towegener@laeisz.de orueckert@laeisz.de.

Good luck and have fun!

MV “Porto” on departure from Ros-tock harbour as seen by Sabine Bremser, Personnel Department, 30 January 2010.

NEW PHOTO CONTEST

ISSUE NO. 11 | MAY 2010 | PAGE 3 CORPORATE INFORMATION OF F. LAEISZ GROUP

HAMBURGISCHE ENERGIEHANDLUNG star-ted to prepare investments in renewable energy some three years ago and is now about to enter the market. The Sonnenstrom investment line was developed for private investors who wish to invest in the forward-looking solar energy sector while maintaining an extremely high degree of investment security. HAMBURGISCHE ENER-GIEHANDLUNG, who issues Sonnenstrom al-pha, developed this investment line over a peri-od of several years in order to guarantee the key components for an exceptionally reliable invest-ment in a solar energy fund.

Security Component 1:CLEAR INVESTMENT BASIS, EXISTING PORTFO-LIO OF SOLAR FACILITIES, SUNNY LOCATION

Whereas conventional solar funds frequently do not involve specific solar facilities, but track them down only after placement of the investor’s capital, HAMBURGISCHE ENERGIE-HANDLUNG has secured investments in at least five energy parks in southern Italy in ad-vance. The facilities are already connected to the grid. Each one of the five solar facilities of-fers peak power of approx. 1 megawatt, enough to supply a total of around 2,000 households with CO2-free electricity. The long-term ear-nings forecast for investors is clearly defined and thus differs significantly from so-called “blind pools”. It is carefully designed for inves-tors who attach great importance to investment security and hereby Sonnenstrom alpha is an exception in the market of closed solar funds.

Security Component 2:RELIABLE AND EXPERIENCED PARTNERS

Construction of the facilities is carried out by the a+f Group, a 100% subsidiary of the Ger-man Gildemeister Group, while a company with proven experience handles ongoing mainte-nance and support of the solar facilities during the entire term of the fund. Fund management is also provided for on a partnership basis by an a+f managing director. As a subsidiary of Gilde-

meister AG, the largest mechanical engineering corporation worldwide, the a+f Group has in-stalled approx. 41 photovoltaic parks in five countries with a rated peak capacity of around 45 megawatts to date.

Security Component 3:SOLAR TECHNOLOGY BASED ON GERMAN CRAFTSMANSHIP

Sonnenstrom alpha utilises the SunCarrier sys-tem produced by the Gildemeister Group for generating power from sunlight. The SunCarrier system relies on extremely stable mechanics and enables the facilities to follow the sunlight during the course of the day. Compared to sta-tic facilities, SunCarrier system offers up to ap-prox. 30% higher energy production resulting in higher yields for the investor.

Security Component 4:FEED-IN TARIFFS SECURED ON A LONG-TERM BASIS, STABLE EARNINGS-COST RATIOS

The feed-in tariffs for the power generated from solar energy have been legally stipulated for over twenty years in Italy. This means a clear calculation basis. In addition, it is possible to receive payment for the produced power at the market price. This creates earnings potential. The running costs for maintenance and support of the facilities by the management partner are

based on the volume of solar energy paid for. As a result, a high degree of earnings security is combined with an equally high degree of cost security since the earnings-cost ratio remains constant.

Security Component 5:APPLICATION OF THE P90 METHOD

Traditional solar funds assume a long-term ave-rage solar radiation and on this basis calculate future earnings that may be attained or sur-passed with a probability of 50% (“P50”). To secure an above-average degree of investment security for investors in Sonnenstrom alpha, the p90 method was applied to earnings planning. The p90 method means that the probability for attaining or surpassing the planned power reve-nues is 90%.

Security Component 6:EXPERIENCED ISSUING COMPANY WITH LONG-TERM INVESTOR ORIENTATION

HAMBURGISCHE ENERGIEHANDLUNG, the company issuing the Sonnenstrom investment line, is an affiliated company of HAMBURGI-SCHE SEEHANDLUNG, which has been active on the market since 1995 and can present a positive performance record to the investors. HAMBURGISCHE SEEHANDLUNG follows in the tradition of the Prussian Maritime Trading Company established by Frederick the Great. The owner-managed HAMBURGISCHE ENER-GIEHANDLUNG, just like HAMBURGISCHE SEEHANDLUNG, looks back on a Hanseatic merchant tradition over decades. Through the Sonnenstrom investment line HAMBURGISCHE ENERGIEHANDLUNG issues well thought-out solar funds for ecology and security oriented private investors on a long-term basis.

SONNENSTROM ALPHA – A NEW STAR IS RISINGPHOTOVOLTAIC PLANTS DEVELOPED IN ITALY

ISSUE NO. 11 | MAY 2010 | PAGE 4 CORPORATE INFORMATION OF F. LAEISZ GROUP

NIKOLAUS H. SCHÜES RECEIVEDAT SCHLOSS BELLEVUE

On March 30, 2010 Bundespräsident [Federal President] Horst Köhler invited four merchants and three delegates from different associations representing family owned companies into Schloss Bellevue, among them our Nikolaus H. Schües. The Bundespräsident asked for information regarding access to project financing as well as shortage of skilled labour. We have used this opportunity to explain the difficult and dangerous situation of the German maritime sector.

Federal President Horst Köhler,Nikolaus H. Schües

CONTAINER MARKET REVIEW2009 AND OUTLOOK 2010For container shipping, 2009 was the most challenging year in history. The general down-ward trend which started in September 2008 continued throughout the year. Whereas in 2008 on average “only” a single-digit growth of worldwide container transport could be real-ized, in 2009 a market decline of -9.7% had to be reported. The global economy also shrank to -1.1% in 2009 compared to 3.0% in 2008.

Market evaluations for container vessels con-tinued to fall during the course of the year. In January 2009, a 2.500 TEU geared container ship with a 24 months charter period was still estimated at a charter rate of about USD 7.950. By the end of the year, the estimated value had dropped to USD 5.100. Normally, such a low level of charter rates barely covers general ope-rating costs. A comparable deterioration of rate levels invariably affected all other vessel sizes.

For the first time in many years owners were forced to lay up tonnage. In January 2009, around 255 container ships were already with-out employment. At the end of the year, a new peak level of 572 laid-up vessels was reached, approx. 10% of all global container tonnage, and a record number of 207 ships went to the scrap yards. At the same time, the difficult em-ployment situation for container ships is con-fronted with a copious amount of newbuildings. Ship owners tried to cancel or postpone orders of newbuildings because of lack of tonnage demand. Contrary to these attempts, the global container fleet grew by 268 vessels with capa-city of approx. 1.07 million TEU last year.

With shrinking transport volume, charterers are forced to shorten or abandon liner services in

order to minimize costs or losses. Many try to renegotiate existing contracts and offered so called “less-for-longer” deals to ship owners. Conversely, the contract will be extended pre-maturely for a lower charter rate. Redeliveries took place at earliest possible dates.

In view of global developments hardly any new-buildings were ordered during 2009. Accor ding to analysts, a slight improvement of charter markets is expected in 2010. The global con-tainer fleet is expected to grow by 9.12%, but growth will manifest unevenly in different ves-sel sizes: a negative growth of 2-3% in the 2.000-4.000 TEU segment is predicted as opposed to an average growth of about 8-10% in the 4.000-7.500 TEU range. The biggest growth is forecast for the VLCS (very large con-tainer ships of 7.500+ TEU) segment with an estimated 26%.

At this moment, a growth in worldwide con-tainer transport of 5.5% is expected for 2010. Because of current high bunker costs, many charterers run vessels on reduced speed, so called “slow steaming” and in order to maintain the frequency of their services, additional ships are employed. Market participants see this as an indicator for a positive development of the container market. As more tonnage is needed, idle ships can be set afloat again.

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DEVELOPMENT OF 24 MONTHS CHARTER RATES

DEVELOPMENT OF IDLE TONNAGE IN TEU

ISSUE NO. 11 | MAY 2010 | PAGE 5 CORPORATE INFORMATION OF F. LAEISZ GROUP

ManfredStolze

WolframKiupel

45 YEARS ON BOARD 50 YEARS ON BOARD

ANNIVERSARIES 2010 | CONGRATULATIONS! BIRTHDAYS 2010 | CONGRATULATIONS!

ASHORE

10 years Tanja Bergunde, Thomas Kolb

25 years Christine Wichmann, Uwe Hauer, Annett Krüger,Heike Dembeck

30 years Manfred Strobach, Sylvia Koch, Hans-Jürgen Hesse, Gritt Trahms

45 years Winfried Staker, Sigrid Pilch

ON BOARD

10 years Mike Fröhlich, Alexander Fiedler, Ralf Rachow,Eckhard Puschmann

25 years Jan Kahrs, Tom Kohler, Christoph Schröder,Bernd Haefke, Michael Fölster

30 years Frank Völker, Herbert Kotnik, Jens Redmer,Erich Leonfeller

40 years Hans Radloff, Dieter Klitz, Frank Oldenburg,Lothar Gladow, Frank Handke, Georg Jasmand,Lutz Klatt, Joachim Luckow, Peter Winter,Bernhard Merle, Ernst Krabbe, Manfred Scholz

45 years Hartmuth Eckardt, Klaus Rank, Burkhard Schütt,Manfred Stolze, Michael Reiber, Helmut Völker

50 years Wolfram Kiupel

ASHORE

60 years Klaus Wunderlich, Manfred Strobach, Renate Panter, Gertrud Hagemann

65 years Heidemarie Grzybinski, Roland Pechstein

ON BOARD

50 years Manfred Schroeder, Wolfgang Miess,Norbert Schröder, Carsten Wendisch,Mathias Häusler, Andreas-Steffen Löscher,Ulrich Holz, Andreas Brehme, Peter Oertel,Ralf Irrgang, Lars-Peter Rhau, Frank Völker,Harry Schulz, Mikhail Makavchik, Alexander Zalutskiy,Tagir Khamitov, Viktor Kasel, Vitali Rotzig,Sergey Petrov, Boris Tsarev, Yury Nikotin,Vladimir Novozhilov, Adonis Narciso, Arthur Macalinao, Ramon Parana, Lope Gealon, Alfredo Mendoza,Armando Martinez, Pio Inzision, Ronie Custodio,Isias Caigoy, Raul Pangue, Richard Cube,Roselito Timosa, Joseph Escudo, Domingo Salvador, Takea Nabaruru, Tebao Tampon, Onotimo Kai,Kaure Tekebo, Tataio Bauriri, Teaningo Nunaia

60 years Werner Hampf, Norbert Roschkowski,Frank-Ulrich Walter, Hartmut Göbel,Theo Frey, Fritz Langner, Rainer Sachwitz,Rainhard Kreis, Karl-Friedrich Plückhahn,Heino Wendt, Mario Montevirgen, Peter Sädtler,Bernd Haefke, Manfred Seyer, Heinrich Riedler,Burkhard Clasen, Wolfgang Häkanshon,Hartmut Holtz, Bernhard Merle, Siegfried Forster,Kurt Wilke, Anatoly Mozhaev, Pavel Zubkov,Nikolay Romanov, Gennady Zhigalov,Evgeny Jakovlev, Pedro Nuneza

65 years Claus Süßmann, Rainer Schütze, Willy Braatz, Gert König, Hans-Ulrich Beyer

45 YEARS SERVICE ASHORE

WinfriedStaker

Sigrid Pilch

Above from left: Arne Pluhar (Flensburg Polytechnic), Peter Schwissel-mann (Baltica & Hanjin San Diego), Ina Geske (BW Herdis), Johannes Junge (MSC Tanzania), Marlin Firek (CSAV Pyrenees), Christian Pufe (Hanjin Haiphong), Willi Skibbe (Translubeca & CSAV Pyrenees), Ulrich Warnecke (Hanjin Mundra).

APPRENTICESHIPSUCCESSFULLYCOMPLETED

Obviously proud and in a very good mood, our accomplished apprentices Arne, Peter, Ina, Johannes, Marlin, Christian and Ulrich presented them-selves after they obtained the vocational qualification as ship mechanic. While Arne has already commenced his nautical studies at Flensburg Fachhochschule [Polytechnic], the other seven set out for a temporary working period on board our vessels. In due time, they will return home to begin their undergraduate studies in the autumn term. We are confident that they will enjoy future success on their chosen career path.

ISSUE NO. 11 | MAY 2010 | PAGE 6 CORPORATE INFORMATION OF F. LAEISZ GROUP

Reederei F. Laeisz’s on board software package does not only cover mainte-

nance and purchasing, but also a wide range of administrative and technical tools which assist command and crew in running the vessel safely, efficiently and economically. It enables superin-tendents and shore staff to monitor processes on board our fleet and exchange relevant data on a regular basis.

Usage of PC based on board maintenance soft-ware started in the mid 1980s. Unfortunately, the first products were not user-friendly. At the beginning of the 1990s, more reasonable main-tenance software became available which led to the successful introduction of the MCW system on a number of our vessels. However, the lifetime of this product was li-mited as it was restricted to the DOS operating system. At the same time, the administrati-on software SAMS was being developed and intro-duced in part, but again to limited success and there-fore never gained wide-spread acceptance.

In accordance with the start of our fleet renewal programme in 1996, maintenance software of different companies was evaluated and a decision taken in favour of PMS (Planned Maintenance System) software by Rostock based developers Marinesoft, later MS Logistik Systeme. PMS continues to be the stan-dard maintenance software in our fleet today.

In 1999, Reederei F. Laeisz took a quantum leap forward with the fleet wide as well as shore based introduction of the PMS’s sister product MMS (Material Management System). Its imple-mentation led to increased efficiency in our purchasing process and as a result, streng-thened our competitiveness considerably.

After the acquisition of MS Logistik Systeme by Germanischer Lloyd in 2006, the MMS / PMS and SAMS packages changed into GL Ship-Manager (GLSM). Higher data transfer rates via satellite technology became standard in 2007. It allows users not only to send MMS order requests but also to regularly synchronize PMS databases between ship and shore. GL Ship-Manager version 2.0 with its many improved features was introduced in 2009.

Throughout the years, Reederei F. Laeisz has enjoyed a very good working relationship and

fruitful cooperation with GL Maritime Software. In particular during the 1990s, several pro-gramme features were created as a result of constant dialogue between operational staff and software developers.

Today we can rely on a state-of-the-art ship shore integrated software package covering diverse areas such crew administration, planned maintenance, material management, budgeting, safety drills, certificates, wages account, master’s cash box, canteen, and further functio-nalities. The forthcoming version 2.1 will con-tain improved port information, port clearance and eNOA/D modules. The GL ShipManager has become one of the main pillars of our infrastruc-ture. It enables us to fulfil the comprehensive task of ship management to highest quality

standards at all times.

When evaluating and deciding for a software product, one may think that the main work lies in the decision-making process. Experience, how-ever, shows otherwise. The real work only starts after a

particular software product is chosen. Now hardware and

software have to be set up, res-ponsibilities need to be defined,

users must be educated and trained, structures have to be put in place, rules have to be developed, instructions and manuals have to be produced, processes have to be reviewed, potential for improvement has to be detected. The list of tasks goes on. In the final stages of the implementation process, necessary human

resources have to be allocated in order to admi-nister the system not only from the IT, but also from operations and engineering point of view.

The improvement of GL ShipManager system usage with above mentioned modules presents a new operational challenge for 2010. During the last two years, we have improved the process organization in purchasing and implemented software enhancements including XML file based data transfer to a selected supplier. Moreover, our superintendents are now able to monitor the budget of each vessel on a daily basis through access of a tailor-made interface between our book keeping software and GL ShipManager.

Among the next exciting projects are the trans-fer of aggregates’ maintenance life time files into the GL ShipManager by using attachment links and synchronized data file structures on board and ashore, further development and im-plementation of a stock controlled on board order management as well as integration of a Shipserv adapter within the standard software for easy access to the Shipserv network.

We are convinced that the GL ShipManager plays a vital role in our business today and will do even more so in future. Consequently, Reederei F. La-eisz has recently started to use GL FleetAnalyzer in order to monitor and benchmark purchasing and maintenance figures. The integration of data will bring even more opportunities which can be put to good use in today’s tough markets. The development of the newly established software is ongoing to support our crews in their daily endea-vour: bring ships, cargo and crew safely and eco-nomically to their next destination.

ON BOARD ADMINISTRATION SOFTWARE –AN INDISPENSABLE TOOL IN SHIPPING TODAY

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ISSUE NO. 11 | MAY 2010 | PAGE 7 CORPORATE INFORMATION OF F. LAEISZ GROUP

MEET OUR INSURANCE EXPERTS: ONE TEAM - TWO LOCATIONS

The Rostock team’s primary focus lies on monitoring and fulfilling insurance contracts for the Laeisz fleet and their employers. The dis-tribution of the required insurance evidences and related certificates to the fleet is another part of their role. Furthermore, they are tasked with the handling of claims that have arisen on ships, any damages to their cargo, crew or third parties which are covered under those poli-cies. In case of damages, the team will collect all pertinent informa-tion and documents from the ship as well as technical or personnel departments and prepare claim files. Depending on the extent of the claim this may create a considerable workload. Claims proceedings can last for several years in least favourable circumstances.

The Rostock Insurance Department: Roland Pechstein, Jens Oesau, Katharina Rathay.

The Hamburg based department’s remit is to coordinate insurance renewals for the vessels and other insurances on behalf of F. Laeisz Group. Vessel insurances have to be placed with several insurers around the world. In order to avoid unneccesarily lengthy discus-sions, robust statistical records are produced. In addition, the Ham-burg team is responsible for the subsidiary companies F. Laeisz Ver-sicherung AG and Nikolai Assecuranz GmbH. The former is a small insurance company participating in Hull & Machinery policies by German or international shipping companies. It proudly carries the membership no. 1 of the German marine insurers’ claims organisa-tion Verein Hanseatischer Transportversicherer e.V. [Association of Hanseatic Transport Insurers]. Above all, Laeisz has acted as insurer for more than 150 years and as such strongly supports the domestic marine insurance market. It was also instrumental in its historical development. Founded in 1984, Nikolai Assecuranz GmbH provides insurance capacity with a pool of marine insurers to brokers. Nikolai supports our fleet in securing insurance policies on best possible terms. Nowhere else is our common effort made clearer than in risk management: outstanding performance at sea leads to good terms in policies and thus strengthens our position in difficult times.

Our Insurance Team at Trostbrücke (above from left): Michael Kampf, Ruth Ohlrich, Andrea Kirst, Winfried Elson.

GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER COMPANY HISTORY

FERDINAND LAEISZ IN HIS OWN WORDS

Starting with this issue, we are honouring the memory of our company founder, Ferdinand Laeisz (1801-1887) by printing a series of ex-cerpts from the book “Reminiscences of an Old Hamburg Citizen” published in 1891 by his grandson Carl Ferdinand Laeisz (1853-1900). Ferdinand Laeisz, one of ten children, who is described as “a virtuous man with a warm heart and open mind, an irrepressible sense of humour and talent for seeing the cheerful side of life” and who “remained physically and spiritually young to a very old age” portrays his life and times in vivid detail:

“I remember stories being told in my childhood about the loss of the battle of Jena, about the captured Prussians who were marched off to France by way of Hamburg, and how the French came to Hamburg in 1806. Two Frenchmen were billeted with us. That was the beginning of a dismal time for our town and for all of us, also in private life. Later on, Spaniards were lodged with us, friendly, good-natured peo-ple, but they could not get on with the French. The Spanish soldiers used to let us boys ride down the street on their horses for a shilling but they stopped our fun all too soon, for the “Andalusian” turned back at his master’s whistle. Our standing phrase was “Muschü Cara-jo with the Cavallios, can we have a ride for a shilling?” In 1808, I saw the Prince of Ponte Corvo with his general staff starting at the back of our house from Admiralty Street to go for a ride in the State Gondola.

In those days, my parents used to have an ox slaughtered once a year and all the family was invited to the feast. The part I liked best was when the animal was hauled up the seven front-door steps. We were sent to school at the age of five as it was difficult to supervise us at home. At the age of six or seven, I learnt how to swim and skate and soon I was fairly expert as I was always courageous and zealous as far as physical training was concerned. On the other hand, I was always afraid of the dark, probably due to the nursery stories my old nurse used to tell me. Once, when I was a small boy, Spanish soldiers made me get drunk on hot milk and liquor and I was brought back home half-dead. From that day on, I have never, in my whole life, been drunk again. When I was ten years old, I delivered letters on behalf of the proprietor of the “Cuxhaven Cellar” Inn. They were letters which had been smuggled in by Heligoland and Cuxhaven sailors. The let-ters only had a number and no address on them because the French had imposed the death penalty for high treason such as this. Chil-dren, however, could not be punished and I still remember with what secrecy and importance the old Mr. Johannes Schuback of Cremon Street dropped everything when “the lad and the letters” came. Quite often a large tip was my reward. Three Cuxhaven sailors who had been caught smuggling English letters were arrested and sen-tenced to be shot. However, it is said that one of them had a beautiful sister who helped them to escape during the night by flirting with the French com-mander.” To be continued in Fleet News no.12

Four-masted barque “Peking” at Pier 17, South Street Seaport, Manhattan, October 2009.

ISSUE NO. 11 | MAY 2010 | PAGE 8 CORPORATE INFORMATION OF F. LAEISZ GROUP

BOOK REVIEWS

DID YOU KNOW?

This is a very relevant book for anybody interested in the way for-ward for renewable energy supply. Written by graduate engineer Sven Geitmann, it gives a factual and substantiated rundown of the whole spectrum of renewable energies available today. Innovative technologies in power engineering as well as alternative energy carriers are clearly presented and explained in generally intelligi-ble terms. At publication of its first edition in spring 2004, this was the first book of its kind providing a comprehensive overview of current developments in the sector for specialists and general pu blic alike. The text is easy to read with clearly structured para-graphs underpinned by practical illustrations.

Based on Geitmann’s long-standing research this title highlights the urgent necessity for a fundamental reorientation of the energy sector. The author elucidates different procedures of electricity generation and heat production, describes various fields of appli-cation and paints the exciting picture of a new, sustainable energy industry. Technologically or ecologically minded readers may find the highly informative descriptions very helpful in gaining a good understanding about the diverse subject matter. Whilst knowledge of renewable energies and their technology is not essential, the book offers many interesting details to curious students, techni-cians, engineers, energy providers as well as homeowners or wind turbine operators.

MANURE AND THE ORIGIN OF A COMMONLY USED WORD

In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by ship and it was also before the commercial fertilizer’s invention, so large shipments of manure were common. It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier, but also the process of fermentation began again, of which a by-product is methane gas. As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could (and did) hap-pen. Methane began to build up below decks and the first time so-meone came below at night with a lantern, boom! Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined just what was hap-pening. After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term ´Ship High in Transit` on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this volatile cargo and start the produc-tion of methane. Thus the term ´S.H.I.T.̀ (Ship High in Transit) which has come down through the centuries and is in use even today. You probably did not know the true history of this expression.

Thomas Herbst (Hamburg, 1848 - 1915), “Kühe an einem Gewäs-ser” [Body of Water with Cows]

Since the end of the 15th century, the minds of European seafarers, geographers and adventurers have been filled with the compelling dream of a northern sea passage. Undeterred by deadly accidents and repeated setbacks they restlessly searched on and on until they finally reached the goal of their aspirations. Helfried Weyer, an adept photographer and accomplished travel writer, tells the exceedingly gripping story of the discovery and first exploration of both northern sea routes. His narrative is complemented by quotes from diaries of the dead and survivors of arctic tragedies as well as Nordic epics. The writer’s authentic reports are illustrated by magnificent panora-mic views of the polar landscape taken on both northern passages. This spellbinding coffee-table-book is of double historical interest: it depicts the forceful struggle of daring men against ice, storms and bleak darkness of the arctic winter. It also shows the magical beauty of the northern latitudes in the North West and North East Passages which may no longer exist in a few years time because of the rapidly progressing effects of global warming. In the words of renowned arctic explorer Arved Fuchs: “Photos like these can only come about when a deep love and well needed respect for the wild abound”.

Sven Geitmann, Erneuerbare Energien – Mit neuer Energie in die Zukunft

[Renewable Energies – Safeguarding the Future with New Energy]

Published by Hydrogeit Verlag,Oberkrämer 2010

Helfried Weyer,Nordwest- und Nordost-Passage – Der Traum vom nördlichen Seeweg

[North West and North EastPassages – The Dream of theNorthern Sea Route]

Published by Koehlers Verlags-gesellschaft, Hamburg 2006

PUBLISHED BY:

Reederei F. Laeisz G.m.b.H.

Tel: +49 381 6660 214 · Fax: +49 381 6660 212 · E-Mail: wegener@laeisz.de · www.laeisz.de

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