Journey of the Krohn Family
Hamburg, a bustling centre of German maritime tradition for centuries, holds countless stories of seafaring heritage. The impressive offices of the Krohn family business are located on the banks of the Alster. Here, sister and brother Bettina and Stefan Krohn proudly lead the second generation of a company that has been involved in shipping since the 1970s.
With deep roots in trade - their ancestors once traded and exported tapioca from three family-owned factories in Thailand - the Krohn logo, featuring a tapioca leaf, reflects this rich history. The office exudes history and sophistication, decorated with exquisite paintings, oriental artwork and curiosities that recall the family's trading past. Stefan Krohn serves as Honorary Consul for Thailand, while his sister Bettina holds the same position for Mali.
Today, Bettina and Stefan combine their complementary expertise to shape the company's future. Bettina, with an academic background in business administration and international banking experience, oversees finance and taxation. Stefan, also with banking experience and a career as a lawyer, brings legal and commercial expertise. His legal experience is invaluable in resolving disputes and conflicts. Together they steer the strategic direction of the company, supported by Per Jensen and Jan Nennhaus with their teams.
From tapioca to shipping
The Krohn family business has a unique history that originally began with trading animal feedstuff locally in Northern Germany by their grandfather and later expanded to exporting tapioca from Thailand by their late father Wolfgang Krohn who operated three factories in Thailand, employing around 1.000 people. At its peak, the company exported an impressive 7 million tons of tapioca per year, mainly for animal feed. Although trading in tapioca ceased over 30 years ago, this successful era lives on in the company's iconic logo, which features a tapioca leaf.
The transition to shipping came in the 1960s, when the Krohn’s father bought six lighters - non-motorised barges - in the port of Hamburg. These were used to transport goods between ships and storage facilities inside the Hamburg Port. In the mid-1970s, he bought fully equipped ships, laying the foundation for the shipping company that Krohn is today.
In 1991, ASC "Alster Ship" Chartering GmbH & Co. KG was established, further consolidating the company's position in the European market. This success led to the establishment of Bereederungsgesellschaft Alstership mbH & Co.KG in 2001, a technical and nautical ship management company. Its services include technical management, procurement and safety management (ISM, ISPS) for international shipping companies.
Today, Krohn’s ship owning companies operate a modern fleet of nine multi-purpose vessels, mainly serving the European market. These vessels carry bulk and breakbulk cargoes such as pulp, steel, aluminum, fertilizers and various grains. The company has a reputation for reliability and minimal idle time, making it a valued partner to its customers. Despite its modest size, the team of nine remains highly efficient and committed to service excellence.
Ups and downs
Throughout its history, the family-owned Krohn companies experienced both ups and downs. Following the 2008 shipping crisis, the company went through a difficult 12-year period of decline, exacerbated by Ships being often idle or delayed in port, adding to the challenges.
However, 2022 marked a turning point, with a financially stellar year supported by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the blockage of the Suez Canal ending the prolonged downturn. Nevertheless, the crisis left its mark. The company had to reduce its fleet from 19 to 6 vessels due to capital losses. Fortunately, the family had ordered three new vessels from Royal Bodewes in Hoogezand at a still critical but right time. This timely decision allowed the fleet to remain with nine vessels during a period of economic recovery.
The strengthened fleet enabled the company to recover financially, although a complete renewal of the fleet was not initially feasible. To secure the future, the family has recently committed to a further fleet modernization. Sustainability goals, such as reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, have also played an important role. Four new vessels have been ordered. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in May 2026 and will be built in China.
Did you know that the K. after the ship's name stands for Krohn? A subtle but proud nod to the family’s rich history that each voyage brings with it!
A strong partnership with MF Shipping Group
In 2001, the Krohn family made the crucial decision to end their relationship with their then ship manager due to untrustworthy practices and a breach of trust. This marked a turning point and the need for a new partner. Their goal was clear: to operate their vessels under a leading flag in Western Europe, and they ultimately chose the Dutch flag.
During this search, the family came into contact with Karin Orsel of MF Shipping Group. What began as an introduction developed into a fruitful and long-lasting partnership. MF Shipping Group offered a solid structure and a comprehensive range of services, with overall management entrusted to Flag Ship Management and crew management handled by Marin Crew. However, the Krohn family chose to keep the chartering and technical management in Hamburg, drawing on the lessons of the past.
More than 23 years later, the partnership with MF Shipping Group remains an integral part of the Krohn family's business. Built on mutual trust and shared ambitions, it continues to thrive despite the challenges of the dynamic shipping industry. Cost control remains a top priority, particularly in relation to day-to-day expenses and voyage costs such as port, canal and bunker dues, as well as brokerage costs. In the competitive spot market, maintaining a healthy balance between revenues and expenses is crucial.
"History shows that there are always ups and downs. What is spent too freely in prosperous times can be vital in leaner years," says Stefan Krohn. "It remains essential to navigate carefully, as crises often strike unexpectedly. The future is uncertain, but we are confident in our direction. The fact that we have ordered new ships underlines our confidence in the future, even in these unpredictable times".
Proud of long-term relationships with seafarers
With a fleet that has become smaller, the company is even more proud of the long-term relationships it has built with its seafarers, many of whom have worked for their vessels for 20 years or more. This loyalty and commitment are vital to the high standards the vessels must maintain.
“We greatly appreciate the dedication and loyalty of our seafarers, especially in challenging times,’ said Stefan Krohn. ‘It is thanks to them that we can maintain the high standards of our vessels, which is also of great importance to our customers.’
Invited guests at the christening of mv Elke K. in Rousse in 2002. From left to right: Captain Kruger, Elke Krohn (mother of Stefan & Bettina), Stefan Krohn, Antje Krohn, Wolfgang Krohn (father of Stefan & Bettina), Bettina Krohn with eldest son John Paul, and the two sons of Joachim Krohn and Karin Orsel.
Did you know that the K. after the ship's name stands for Krohn? A subtle but proud nod to the family’s rich history that each voyage brings with it!
