The Greater Houston Port Bureau is delighted to declare Jürgen Schröder, the founder of Schröder Marine Services, Inc. (“Schröder Marine”), as the 2024 Maritime Leader of the Year. Schröder is set to receive this prestigious honor at the Port Bureau’s Annual Maritime Dinner scheduled for August 24, 2024. The decision by the Port Bureau Board of Directors to recognize Schröder in 2024 reflects his unwavering dedication to the maritime community in Houston and his advocacy for the well-being of seafarers.
Schröder embarked on his maritime journey as a young deckboy/able-bodied seaman with the Deutsche West Afrika Line, laying the foundation for an illustrious career that spans over 65 years. In 1986, he founded Schröder Marine Services, a prominent stevedore and terminal operator company in the bustling port of Houston, solidifying his reputation as a dedicated leader and industry expert.
Vincent DiCosimo, Chairman of the Greater Houston Port Bureau, expressed admiration for Jürgen’s lifetime of service and unwavering passion for the welfare of individuals both onshore and onboard vessels. DiCosimo highlighted the unparalleled dedication that earned Schröder the prestigious title of the 2024 Maritime Leader of the Year.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Schröder played a pivotal role in mobilizing local industry efforts to provide aid, including vaccines, to thousands of seafarers confined to vessels calling in Houston. His active involvement in the Port Bureau since 1978, including roles as a director, executive committee member, and past president of the board of directors, showcases his commitment to the maritime community.
Schröder’s impact extends beyond the boardroom, as he has been a dedicated member of the Houston International Seafarers’ Center since 1985, serving as board president from 1992-1993.
Reflecting on his life’s philosophy, Schröder emphasized the importance of building trust and commitment in relationships, whether on a ship, within the family, or while serving clients at Schröder Marine. He sees the Annual Maritime Dinner as a celebration of the strong values that underpin the thriving maritime community.
The Houston Ship Channel, the nation’s busiest waterway, plays a crucial role in the economic engine of the Houston region, the state of Texas, and the U.S. The Annual Maritime Dinner, attended by over 750 maritime, transportation, and industry professionals, serves as a platform to honor outstanding leaders like Schröder. The event, supported by Queen of the Fleet sponsors, aims to raise funds for the Port Bureau’s regional maritime advocacy efforts.
For those interested in supporting the maritime community and attending the Annual Maritime Dinner, table and sponsorship opportunities, along with additional information, can be found online at www.txgulf.org/annual-dinner.
About the Greater Houston Port Bureau
The Greater Houston Port Bureau helps over 250 member companies work together to promote cooperation and efficiency within the maritime community by providing vessel information, port information, networking, and advocacy. For more information, visit www.txgulf.org or call 713-678-4300.
About Schröder Marine Services, Inc.
Schröder Marine Services is a stevedore and terminal operator in the port of Houston, specializing in the handling of break-bulk, project cargo, heavy lift, and roll-on/roll-off cargo. They focus on creating custom, tailored solutions for each client. Building on the principle that business should grow on solid relationships and long-standing trust, the Schröder family has established that trust with their clients for nearly four decades, with a dedication to high standards of service.