Oldendorff Carriers is changing the flag of its two capesize vessels to the German flag, reflecting the company's long-standing relationship with Germany and its commitment to the maritime sector of the country.
Official Transfer of the Vessels
Today, the vessel Alice Oldendorff was officially transferred from the Portuguese flag to the German flag at the port of Saldanha, South Africa. The capesize vessel Gina Oldendorff will also join this flag in the coming months. Both vessels will be registered at the home port of Hamburg, Germany.
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Background and Importance of the Flag Change
This action is particularly significant for Oldendorff. The company was founded in 1921 in Hamburg and has become one of the largest dry bulk shipping companies in the world while maintaining a close connection with Germany and its maritime community. Peter Bach, Oldendorff's Chief Operating Officer, stated: "Germany has a strong maritime heritage and deep industrial expertise, providing a perfect framework for quality shipping. Improving services and supporting ship owners, as well as the commitment of authorities to maintain a high level of service, were important factors in our decision to return these vessels to the German flag."
The German flag is internationally recognized for its high standards and consistently performs well in international assessments of national flags. Its legal frameworks emphasize maritime safety, environmental protection, and high standards for working and living conditions at sea.
Christian Hirte, Deputy Federal Minister of Transport, announced: "By choosing the German flag, Oldendorff sends a strong signal of confidence in the German flag and this country as a maritime location. Over the past two years, we have made the German flag significantly more attractive and user-friendly while significantly reducing bureaucracy."
New Position of the Vessels in the German Fleet
As of September 2026, the German commercial fleet will consist of 404 vessels with a total gross tonnage of approximately 8.86 million tons. With the registration of Alice Oldendorff (tonnage 181,963 DWT; 93,718 GT) and Gina Oldendorff (tonnage 182,002 DWT; 93,718 GT), these large vessels are returning to the German flag for the first time in several years. These two capesize vessels are the only large cargo ships currently operating under the German flag, marking a significant addition to the German commercial fleet.
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