Deutsche Afrika-Linien/John T. Essberger Group of Companies

The headquarters of Palmaille in Hamburg-Altona is situated on the Elbe River and consists of an 18th-century palace and several modern buildings.

The company operates container and general cargo services between Europe, the Canary Islands, eastern and southern Africa, and Indian Ocean ports.

He commanded torpedo-boats during the First World War and was named 'Leader of German shipping' during the Third Reich.

In 1942 Essberger took over the Woermann-Linie and Deutsche Ost-Afrika Linie from the cigarette manufacturer Philipp Fürchtegott Reemtsma.

However, Essberger soon built up a new fleet and became once again one of the largest private shipowners in West Germany.