Maritime tradition across nine generations.
The history of TS-Shipping is closely connected with shipping and with Haren. The family's maritime tradition dates back to the middle of the 18th century.
Experience passed from generation to generation.
The family's maritime history dates back to the middle of the 18th century and continues to form the foundation of TS-Shipping today.
Across generations, the family has remained closely connected with shipping. Each generation passed on experience, responsibility and an entrepreneurial understanding of the maritime world.
Today, Alexander Bölle leads the shipping company in the ninth generation. TS-Shipping combines maritime experience built over generations with clear, contemporary structures and personal fleet management.
From the foundation in 1969 to container shipping.
The following chronology traces the more recent history of the shipping company from 1969 to 1998. It shows the development from coastal and multipurpose shipping to the company's deliberate move into container shipping.
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1969–1970
Foundation of Reederei Thekla Schepers KG.
In 1969, Thekla Schepers and Heinz Bölle founded Reederei Thekla Schepers KG. The company took over MS “RUDOLF SCHEPERS”, which later sailed under the name “MARUS”. In 1970, Dipl.-Ing. Heinz Bölle joined the company as a limited partner. Thekla Schepers and Heinz Bölle jointly managed the shipping company.
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1977–1978
VERENA marks the beginning of the next fleet generation.
Following the sale of “MARUS”, “VERENA” was ordered from Rolandwerft Detlef Hegemann in Bremen-Hemelingen. The vessel was launched on 18 February 1978 and delivered to the shipping company on 24 May 1978. Her first voyage, under Captain Hermann Hermes, took her to Norway.
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1981–1988
Expansion with river-sea and multipurpose vessels.
On 14 March 1981, “SELENA” was delivered to the shipping company. The river-sea vessel was equipped both for medium-range service and for operation on the Rhine. During the following years, the fleet expanded with further multipurpose freighters, including SIMONE, THEKLA B, KATHARINA and MARGARETA.
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1992–1998
The strategic move into container shipping.
At the beginning of the 1990s, Heinz Bölle initiated a fundamental change and commissioned Rolandwerft Detlef Hegemann to develop the company's first purpose-built container vessel. “VERENA B” entered service in 1992/1993 with 448 container slots. She was followed by “THEA B” in 1995, “KATHARINA B” in 1997 and “MARGARETA B” in 1998. MARGARETA B offered 510 TEU, measured 100 metres in length and reached a service speed of 16 knots.
Tradition is not simply a look back. It is a responsibility.
Nine generations stand for continuity – and for the ability to adapt repeatedly to changing conditions in shipping.
TS-Shipping does not view its history as a nostalgic element, but as the foundation for reliable and long-term company management. Experience provides orientation while remaining connected with the willingness to make contemporary decisions.
This attitude continues to shape the personal management of the fleet and the company's cooperation with partners in the international maritime environment.
Discover our expertiseRooted in Haren. Connected with shipping.
TS-Shipping is headquartered in Haren (Ems). Its northern German roots and international activities belong together: local ties on the one hand and worldwide maritime cooperation on the other.
- Family-owned shipping company in the ninth generation
- Headquarters in Haren (Ems)
- Active in international shipping today