The First Years of the Czechoslovak-(West)german Company Peute Reederei GmbH Hamburg (1978–1980)

The creation of Peute Reederei AG Hamburg in 1978 solved several problems faced by Czechoslovakian nautical agency. This steamship company was indeed a unique joint venture of Czechoslovakia and West Germany. The company was a reaction to consequences on Czechoslovakian nautical activities for being excluded from no-agreement statement on Elbe in West Germany and rest of western European countries. Formation of Peute Reedrei afforded experience opportunities to Czechoslovakian sailors aiming at nautical patents on West German waters. The company “saved” foreign reserve by purchasing Czechoslovakian components and by employing Czechoslovakian sailors in addition to its cooperation with the Hamburg branch of Cˇ SPL. This study is focusing on the early period of the company between 1978 and 1980