Cuba

Hamburg's connection to Cuba

Hamburg and Cuba are linked by the port and in particular the development of cruise terminals. There are close links between the Hamburg Port Authority and the Administración Maritima de Cuba and various memorandums of understanding have been signed.

Due to the current blockade policy of the USA, the cruise business has practically come to a standstill. The connection between the two port companies continues to exist and the planned projects can be resumed and realised in the short term if there is a change in US foreign policy.

There are also good scientific links, such as Desy with the University of Havana, and cultural links, such as the Cuban-European Youth Academy (CuE), founded by Thomas Hengelbrock and the Balthasar Neumann Academy.

HamburgAmbassador Jürgen Niklaus

Jürgen Nicklaus has lived in Havana for over 25 years and has been responsible for the management of Stefan Messer GmbH, a specialist in industrial and medical gases, as a partner and CEO since 2001. He is characterised above all by his many years of expertise in working with the government, commercial enterprises and the local population.

Since 2017, he has been an honorary HamburgAmbassador, representing Hamburg in Cuba. Among other things, he has been able to provide expert advice to various Hamburg business delegations on opportunities and investment possibilities in the island state and arrange important contacts with the government and institutions. Jürgen Nicklaus also has strong contacts in the harbour and cruise industry, a major future topic for the island state. He was honoured with the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2009 for his many years of commitment to Cuba.

Expertise for Hamburg

Men in suits engaging in conversation at a formal indoor event with ornate decor. — HamburgAmbassador Jürgen Niklaus in conversation with Hamburg's First Mayor Dr Peter Tschentscher

Due to his interest in shipping, ports, cruises and cruise terminals, Mr Jürgen Nicklaus is predestined to promote cooperation between Hamburg and Cuba.

His good contacts to the government, economy, science, culture and the population in Cuba help him as HamburgAmbasador to facilitate and optimise a connection to Hamburg in all areas.