Peter Rickmers

The Peter Rickmers is a series of commercial vessels that operated under the Rickmers shipping line for international cargo transport. These ships carried various goods across oceans and seas on routes connecting many countries.

The first Peter Rickmers was built in 1867 as a barque and started a tradition of ships bearing this name through different maritime eras. The last vessel was in service roughly a century later before being dismantled.

The succession of vessels bearing the Rickmers family name reflects Hamburg's deep involvement in global maritime trade and shipbuilding industry. Today, this legacy helps visitors understand how central shipping was to the city's development.

Visitors should note that multiple historical vessels shared this name and may be documented in different ports or maritime museums. Depending on interest in shipping history, research in Hamburg or other port cities can reveal further details about individual ships.

The SS Peter Rickmers, a ship from 1913, was deliberately sunk during World War One to block shipping lanes. This strategy of sacrificing old vessels showed how merchant ships were repurposed for military purposes during wartime.

GPS coordinates: 40.58389,-73.52111

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:06