Based in Hamburg, Germany, Hansataucher GmbH operates as a specialized commercial diving and maritime service provider with a history spanning more than five decades. Established in 1968 by Leopold Krüger and Claus Günzlein, the company was originally formed to address the growing demand for mobile teams capable of performing ship inspections and hull maintenance. Over the ensuing decades, it evolved from a local diving support unit into a comprehensive underwater engineering firm, playing a significant role in the maintenance and development of Northern Germany’s maritime infrastructure.
The company’s operational scope encompasses a wide array of underwater activities, ranging from heavy marine construction to precise technical inspections. A prominent aspect of its portfolio involves civil engineering support, where divers assist in the construction and maintenance of locks, ship lifts, and port facilities. Notably, Hansataucher was deeply involved in major regional infrastructure projects, such as the construction phases of the Elbe Tunnel in 1970 and its expansion in 2001. These complex undertakings required underwater specialists to work in challenging conditions, solidifying the organization’s reputation for handling large-scale engineering tasks.
Beyond construction, Hansataucher maintains a strong focus on ship husbandry and classification support. The firm is certified by major classification societies—including DNV, Lloyd’s Register, and Bureau Veritas—to perform in-water surveys, underwater welding, and hull repairs. This capability allows shipping lines and shipyards to address structural issues or perform routine inspections without dry-docking vessels.
In the early 2000s, the company expanded its expertise to include the detection and clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO). With specialized personnel and equipment, Hansataucher executes explosive ordnance disposal operations in harbors and coastal waters, a critical service in regions still affected by historical conflicts. To support these varied missions, the firm utilizes a proprietary fleet of workboats and diving support vessels, many of which are designed with shallow drafts to navigate restricted waterways and coastal zones effectively. Since 2010, the company has operated its own port facility along the Northern Elbe, providing a strategic base for rapid mobilization across the port of Hamburg and the wider European maritime sector.
