Host of the 482nd Schaffermahlzeit 

Bremen Juli 2025 –

As commercial “Schaffer” (organizers) and thus hosts, Dirk Zeppenfeld (HDZ Holding), our Managing Director Nadine Kloska (Kloska Group), and Dirk Rogge (D. Oltmann Reederei) are honored to host the 482nd Schaffermahlzeit on February 13, 2026.

The Schaffermahlzeit is the world’s oldest banquet of friendship, held annually in Bremen’s historic City Hall. Originally, the Schaffermahl served as a final meeting opportunity for captains, shipowners, and merchants before they set sail again in the spring. Today, this tradition not only fosters and strengthens connections but also serves as a charitable event with centuries of history. In 1545, the “Haus Seefahrt” foundation was established, making it arguably the oldest social welfare organization in the world. It is managed by the voluntary work of captains and merchants with the purpose of providing social security for seafarers, their families, and dependents. Today, it also offers financial assistance to displaced seafarer families and nautical students.

During the Schaffermahlzeit, donations are collected for Haus Seefahrt from the 100 captains and “Schaffer” from Bremen’s merchant community, as well as approximately 100 guests who are only permitted to attend once in their lifetime.

For more information, please visit www.schaffermahlzeit.de and www.haus-seefahrt.de.

Media Contact:

Nadine Kloska, 2nd “Schafferin” Contact via: Stefanie Birck Tel: +49 421 61802-75 Email: schaffer@kloska.com