Working on the Water. Since 1950.
Maritime careers with a future in Hamburg Harbor
Practical Skills Meet Long-Standing Experience
For over 70 years, we've been moving Hamburg Harbor. Around 50 women and men work in our family-owned company—from apprentices and experienced captains to marine construction and technical roles. Here, practical skills, teamwork, and direct communication matter—from deck to management.
Family-Owned
Short decision-making paths, personal atmosphere – direct line to management
Craftsmanship on Water
Practical skills meet long-standing experience – here you grow with every project
Cross-Generational
From apprentice to veteran captain – working together on the water, learning from each other
Real Responsibility
Trust in your abilities – every action has direct impact on project success
Career Paths at PAN Norderelbe
From tugboat operations to marine construction – diverse fields in the maritime world
Ship Captain / Operator
Responsibility for tugboats, barges, and workboats. Navigation in narrow waterways, barge movements, and pontoon operations.
Deckhand / Sailor
Support during towing operations, mooring, maintenance work. The entry point into the maritime working world.
Engine Operator
Operation and maintenance of propulsion systems, hydraulic systems, and aggregates on our vessels.
Marine Construction Specialist
Shore reinforcement, pile driving, sheet piling – creating infrastructure on and in the water.
Commercial Diver
Underwater work, inspections, salvage operations, and repairs. Specialized missions below the surface.
Administration & Dispatch
Coordinating operations, client communication, logistics planning – the backbone of our operations.
Equipment operator
Operating excavators, cranes, and other machinery—on land, on pontoons, and in harbor operations.
Maintenance & repair
Maintaining and repairing ship systems, hydraulics, and aggregates—workshop and on-site.
Master metalworker / steel construction
Fabrication, welding, and steel work in the port—shore protection, dolphins, and custom solutions.
Why PAN Norderelbe?
Concrete benefits instead of empty promises
Union-Scale Compensation
Fair pay according to marine construction tariff with bonuses for standby duties and overtime
Training Support
Cost coverage for licenses, certificates, and continuing education (boating licenses, radio operator certificates, diving certifications)
Modern Fleet
Work on well-maintained, technically current vessels with professional safety equipment
Location Security
Fixed location in Hamburg – no weekend commuters, regional operations in the harbor area
Variety
Daily new projects: towing, marine construction, dredging, logistics – no two days are alike
Experienced Team
70 years of experience and a team of around 50 people on site—knowledge is passed on by colleagues who know their craft
We get you ready for the harbor
Training is a tradition here. We invest in the future and train inland boatmen and marine construction workers with real-world practice. You learn the trade from the ground up – directly on board and on the job site.
Hands-on training
No standing on the sidelines – you pitch in from day one and take responsibility.
Cost coverage
We cover the costs for all required certificates, licenses, and exams.
Career prospects
Those who fit in and perform can count on a job after their training.
Top instructors
Our experienced captains and foremen pass their knowledge directly to the next generation.
Honest Expectations & Clear Offerings
What we expect
- Reliability and punctuality – we must be able to count on you
- Team skills – you never work alone on the water
- Physical fitness – maritime work is demanding
- Willingness for shift work and occasional weekend operations
- Weather independence – we work in all weather conditions
- Diligence and safety awareness in every situation
What we offer
- Fair, union-scale compensation with allowances
- Work clothing and safety equipment provided
- Training by experienced colleagues
- Long-term prospects in an established company
- Support for continuing education and certifications
- Collegial working environment with flat hierarchies
Open Positions
Current job openings at PAN Norderelbe
We're looking to strengthen our deck team. You'll support towing operations, mooring maneuvers, and general work on board. Ideal for career changers with maritime interest or professional experience on the water.
Requirements:
- Team skills and reliability
- Physical resilience
- Willingness for shift work
- Experience on water advantageous but not required
- Driver's license Class B desirable
You'll operate our tugboats and barges through Hamburg Harbor and adjacent waters. From barge movements to assistance maneuvers to passenger transport – a diverse work area with responsibility.
Requirements:
- Valid boating license (at least recreational craft license inland/sea)
- Experience operating watercraft
- Safe navigation even in narrow waters
- VHF radio operator certificate advantageous
- Independent, forward-thinking work style
Start your career on the water! In the 3-year apprenticeship, you'll learn navigation, ship technology, cargo handling, and marine construction. We train you hands-on – on board from day one.
Requirements:
- Secondary school diploma or higher
- Interest in technology and maritime work
- Team spirit and willingness to learn
- Swimming ability (proof required)
- Health suitability for ship service
For underwater work, inspections, and salvage operations, we're looking for experienced divers. Work in harbor, Elbe, and canals – challenging conditions requiring skill and experience.
Requirements:
- Valid diving certification (CMAS, PADI or equivalent)
- Experience in commercial diving advantageous
- Medical certificate for diving fitness (G31)
- Independent, safety-oriented work
- Team skills even underwater
You'll work on shore reinforcements, bollards, sheet piling, and other marine construction projects. From pontoons, you'll realize demanding infrastructure work on and in the water.
Requirements:
- Training in construction industry or comparable qualification
- Experience in marine, civil, or harbor construction
- Handling heavy equipment and tools
- Head for heights and physical fitness
- Team skills and independent work style
You operate excavators, cranes, and other machinery for marine construction and harbor work—on pontoons, quay walls, and in basins. Safety and precise operation come first.
Requirements:
- Experience with construction machinery or comparable qualification
- Technical understanding and safety awareness
- Willingness to work outdoors in changing conditions
- Licenses / certifications for equipment advantageous
- Team skills
You keep our vessels and equipment in shape: inspection, maintenance, and repair of propulsion, hydraulics, and auxiliary systems—in the workshop and on board.
Requirements:
- Training as marine engineer, industrial mechanic, or comparable
- Experience with diesel engines, hydraulics, or ship systems advantageous
- Independent troubleshooting and documentation
- Willingness to work in the harbor area
- Care and occupational safety
You fabricate and install steel structures and carry out welding and assembly for marine and harbor construction—often together with our teams on the pontoon.
Requirements:
- Master certificate in metalwork / steel construction or equivalent
- Experience with MIG/TIG welding and steel construction
- Reading technical drawings
- Physical fitness and working in varied positions
- Team skills and quality awareness
No suitable position?
We're always looking for motivated professionals. Send us your unsolicited application – we'll get back to you.
Apply unsolicited