Around 160 guests accepted the invitation from the German branch of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) to the Altonaer Kaispeicher in Hamburg. Among the participants was the founder of WISTA Germany, Erika Grambow. Numerous guests of honor also joined in the celebrations, including Hamburg’s Senator for Economic Affairs Melanie Leonhard, the President of the German Shipowners’ Association Gaby Bornheim and many other important figures from the maritime industry.
Franziska Eckhoff, the current President of WISTA Germany, was delighted with the large number of guests: “A big thank you goes out to the current Executive Board, all WISTA members and, of course, to all the sponsors who made this event possible. We were delighted with the large number of guests, partners and colleagues who celebrated this special anniversary with us.”
WISTA Germany – a lunch with consequences
WISTA Germany is an offshoot of the international WISTA association. It was founded on December 2, 1974. Back then, a few women who were active in the tanker market met for a Christmas lunch at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in London. This developed into a worldwide network that now has almost 4,000 members.
Erika Grambow founded WISTA in Germany. She and Helge Zinke attended the shipbrokers’ lunch in London in 1980. It was then decided to organize a lunch with a supporting program in Germany in 1981.
With over 200 members spread throughout Germany, WISTA Germany is growing steadily. Members represent all facets of the maritime industry, including ship owners, shipyards, charterers, operators, brokers, banks, insurance professionals, classification societies, ship chandlers, port authorities, analysts, researchers and government officials.
The aim of WISTA is to provide members with networking and education opportunities. To achieve these goals, regular meetings, seminars and social gatherings are organized.
