The year 2020 brings another momentous anniversary - that of the creation of Hapag-Lloyd, one of today's container shipping heavyweights.
The company was brought to life 50 years ago when Hapag merged with North German Lloyd, though the two knew each other many years before (talk of a long engagement period, a mix of rivalry and cooperation!).
In order to avoid ruinous competition, Hapag and NGL decided to form a team, or, as Albert Ballin, Hapag's Director-General from 1899 till his passing in 1918, described it, an "amicable marriage of convenience."
Among many joint undertakings, they agreed in 1894 to launch a liner service between the Mediterranean and New York City, a route then often used by emigrants.
But containerisation was what really sparked them into 'marriage.' In 1970, they finally agreed that it would be better to go as one, thus Hapag-Lloyd was created.
While H-L is celebrating its 50th birthday this year, it has almost 173 years of combined history under its belt. Looking frisky!
Photo: Hapag-Lloyd
