Rickmers donate EUR 1 million to World Future Council

Hamburg, Germany, 12 June 2009. As part of their "175 Years of Rickmers in Shipping" anniversary, Hamburg shipowners and businessmen Bertram and Erck Rickmers have donated one million euros to the World Future Council (WFC). "On the occasion of the family's 175th anniversary we would like to pay tribute to the past and at the same to make a contribution to the future," the brothers explained. "Consistent support of sustainable thinking and acting for the benefit of future generations is only possible at a global level. This is why we want to support the international work of the Hamburg-based World Future Council," the Rickmers brothers added, detailing their reason for supporting the WFC. The cheque was presented to WFC founder and board chairman Jakob von Uexküll.

Uexküll thanked them sincerely for their support. "The WFC," he stated, "fills a gap among international organisations by conducting research into forward-looking solutions and supporting their implementation directly all over the world."

The handover of the cheque took place during the Senate reception held in honour of brothers Bertram and Erck Rickmers in the large banquet room of Hamburg's town hall. Addressing 450 international guests, Ole von Beust, Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, expressed appreciation of the longstanding family tradition and the current contribution made by the Rickmers companies to the maritime industry in Hamburg. Bertram and Erck Rickmers are the fifth generation of the Rickmers family to work in shipping. They run two separate groups of companies and between them employ over 5,000 people on land and at sea.

This press release and photos of the cheque handover are available for download at www.er-ship.com, www.rickmers.com and www.worldfuturecouncil.org.

E.R. Capital Holding
The several companies run by Erck Rickmers are managed under the umbrella organization E.R. Capital Holding, including E.R. Schiffahrt, which is a ship owner and a ship management company serving the container, bulk and offshore shipping sectors with a fleet of 119 vessels in service and under construction. E.R. Schiffahrt belongs to the world's largest charter companies for container vessels. Further, the group focuses in ship financing. The issuing house Nordcapital has so far issued about 100 ship funds. Further investment products include the business areas of real estate, private equity and renewable energies. The private equity company equitrust AG complements the activities of the group.

Rickmers Group
Rickmers is a diversified group with activities in the business fields of liner shipping, shipowning and shipmanagement, investments and real estate as well as maritime related services. As a ship owner and manager, the group manages a state-of-the-art fleet, mainly consisting of container ships. Multipurpose/heavy lift vessels, bulkers and car carriers complement the portfolio. Currently, more than 100 ships are being operated. 26 newbuildings are planned to be delivered within the next couple of years. Another key business of the company is liner shipping. Rickmers-Linie, with its worldwide network of offices and agents, is a leading specialist in the sea transportation of breakbulk, heavylift and project cargoes. The activities of the group are being complemented by activities in the investment sector, real estate and maritime related services.

About World Future Council
The World Future Council brings the interests of future generations to the centre of policy making. Its 50 eminent members from around the globe have already successfully promoted change. The Council addresses challenges to our common future and provides decision-makers with effective policy solutions. In-depth research underpins advocacy work for international agreements, regional policy frameworks and national lawmaking and thus produces practical and tangible results.

Contact

E.R. Schiffahrt
Stefanie Rother
Leiterin Presse & PR
Tel.: 040 - 3008 2624
E-Mail: presse@nordcapital.com

Rickmers Group
Marko Stampehl
Manager Corporate Communication
Tel.: 040 - 3891 77219
E-Mail: m.stampehl@rickmers.net

World Future Council
Anne Reis
Leitung Presse- und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit
Tel.: 040 - 3070 914-16
E-Mail: anne.reis@worldfuturecouncil.org