Mares

Hamburg-based ship broker Eckehardt Bauer joins forces with Peruvian shipowner Luis F. Vegas to establish Mares Shipping Limited. Just days into the new year, on January 3rd, Bauer begins chartering vessels for cargo transport from Peru and Chile, laying the foundation for what would become a very successful maritime business. By May of the same year, Mares reaches a significant milestone when it is appointed general agent for the shipping company Consorcio Naviero Peruano. This strategic partnership grants Mares full responsibility for managing the company’s liner service between Europe and the West Coast of South America—firmly establishing its role in international shipping.

Mares diversifies its operations with the launch of a technical spare parts division for vessels. Spearheaded by Claus Witt, a former employee at Münchmeyer and Petersen, this new venture focuses primarily on the South American market and marks the beginning of a new chapter in Mares’ evolution.

Following the sale of Luis Vegas’s shipping company, Mares transitions away from agency services to focus exclusively on the growing spare parts business. Recognizing Witt’s instrumental role in this success, Eckehardt Bauer appoints him Managing Director and co-owner of the company.

Mares becomes the official global distributor for spare parts and technical service for CREPELLE engines. In partnership with QuantiParts BV, a Wärtsilä company, this milestone solidifies its role as the worldwide representative for Crepelle engines. This strategic alliance reflects our shared commitment to keeping Crepelle engines running and reinforces our position as a reliable partner in the global shipping industry.

The leadership structure evolves again, as Bauer steps back from daily operations to become Chairman of the Board, a position he holds to this day. At the same time, Witt takes on the role of CEO, continuing to guide the company’s strategic direction.

Among the rising talents within the organization is Carsten Bienst, who joined Mares in 2006 as an apprentice. After gaining experience across multiple departments—including heading up our data analytics and IT departments - he is appointed Managing Director in July 2023. Today, Mares Shipping is a thriving enterprise with a team of 90 skilled professionals serving over 700 clients in more than 50 countries. Its robust global network of agents spans Africa, Southeast Asia, China, and Turkey—testament to the company’s reach and reputation.

In a decisive step towards strategic growth, Mares acquires its first company through a share deal: Fr. Heinrich Jens Schiffsmaschinen & Co., a Hamburg-based specialist in worldwide spare parts service for DEUTZ and MWM engines. Founded in 1953 as an authorized DEUTZ representative, the company has built a strong reputation through decades of experience and the agility of a family-run business. Known for its expertise in accurately identifying spare parts across all engine series, Jens maintains an extensive engine database and a large inventory to ensure rapid global delivery. This acquisition strengthens Mares Shipping’s position in the global maritime service sector and expands our technical capabilities and product portfolio.