HEINRICH HARBISCH Schiffswerft GmbH, known for short as HA-DU (HArbisch-DUisburg)
Founded in 1908 as a blacksmith's workshop for the shipping industry, the company is now known – thanks to its two docks – for fast propeller changes and ship repairs of all kinds. Shafts up to 10 m long can be repaired, reconditioned and manufactured in our own machine shop.
Our own products, such as
- the HA-DU Hightech Rudder
- the HA-DU Power Anchor and Special Anchor
- the HA-DU Ship Coupling
complete our range of services.
Our official records date back to 1908: Hermann Harbisch – father of Heinrich Harbisch, after whom the shipyard is named – operated a ship blacksmith's workshop. Following the move from Duisburg's inner harbour to the outer harbour, the war years, the first steps towards establishing a ship repair yard (a bank stairway with mooring facilities), the death of his father and the departure or death of his brothers, Heinrich Harbisch became the sole owner in 1968. The first stern dock went into operation that same year, followed by the second in 1973.
In 1974, at the age of 61, Heinrich Harbisch brought his daughter Karin Wendt into the company. Together they steered the company through the ups and downs of the shipping industry until 2000, when Heinrich Harbisch died and operations manager Karl-Heinz Denecke became a co-shareholder.
Today, the family business has existed for almost 120 years, and Kerstin Wendt, representing the fourth generation, is firmly at the helm. She has been with the company since 2011 and tackles the daily challenges with great commitment.
Kerstin Wendt
Initially managing the company together with her mother Karin Wendt from 2014, she has been solely responsible for the company's management since July 2024.
Karin Wendt
Karin Wendt has withdrawn from day-to-day operations but remains associated with the company as a shareholder and still comes into the office regularly.
Karl-Heinz Denecke
The technical department is headed by Karl-Heinz Denecke. He joined the company as a mechanical engineer in 1983, qualified as a master craftsman in 1986 and has been a co-shareholder since 2000. He leads a team of around 15 employees who work together to ensure that our customers and their vessels are quickly and professionally back underway.
Christina Salvato
She has been part of the team since 2009 and is the first point of contact for our customers.
