We are
the ma-co
Your training partner for the German seaports and (port-related) logistics as well as international maritime shipping and the offshore sector.
The maritime competence center
Expertise for 50 years
ma-co originated from the Hafenfachschulen (port vocational schools) in Hamburg and Bremen, each founded in 1975, and for over 50 years we have been professionally training people in the maritime industry.
We are based at three locations – Hamburg, Bremen and Bremerhaven – and train where practice happens: with experienced trainers from the industry, in modern training rooms and hands-on practice areas. We operate entirely according to the motto "from practice, for practice".
Nothing runs smoothly without well-trained staff – that has driven us since our founding.
We maintain long-standing, partnership-based relationships with companies from ports, freight forwarding, shipping and the offshore sector and also qualify career changers for entry into the industry.
Certified quality
Recognized certificates and training.
Multiple locations
Represented nationwide.
Experienced trainers
Practical expertise from industry.
Career development
Sustainable continuing education.
Our plus of experience
Your reliable partner for your company
Individual and market-oriented qualification offerings
Training of qualified specialists and managers
Our Team
Our team consists of around 60 colleagues who plan, organize, and run our seminars.
Our team is complemented by around 80 freelance trainers with practical expertise from various industries.
Our values are the foundation of our collaboration. They shape every aspect of what we do.
Customer focus
We listen to our customers as equals and recognize their needs early on. So, this creates tailored training instead of standard solutions — and a collaboration you can rely on.
Openness to change
Change is part of who we are — new locations, new seminars, new paths. We bring this courage to our customers and participants when conditions change.
Transparency
Transparency is not a state for us, but an ongoing process. We communicate openly — this builds trust and makes our actions understandable to everyone.
Team spirit
We support one another and stand together – everyone can focus on their strengths. That way we overcome challenges and deliver tailored training.
Communication
We talk with each other, not about each other — openly and respectfully. This builds trust within the team and carries us through even when things get difficult.
Error culture
Anyone who takes action makes mistakes – we're not afraid of that. If something does happen, we talk about it openly and think in terms of solutions, not blame.
Diversity
For us, diversity means recognizing and valuing difference, regardless of background, gender, or worldview. We look for what we have in common – there is no place for discrimination.
Respect
For us, respect above all means listening. Criticism is welcome – factual and appreciative – just like sincere recognition. We respect one another with all our differences.
Trust
Trust is the foundation of work2gether – hard won, easily broken. A relationship of trust moves us forward, for employees as well as partners.
Reliability
Reliability is the basis of our cooperation – internally as well as with customers and partners. On an equal footing, we respond quickly to needs and develop solutions together.
Customer focus
We listen to our customers as equals and recognize their needs early on. So, this creates tailored training instead of standard solutions — and a collaboration you can rely on.
Openness to change
Change is part of who we are — new locations, new seminars, new paths. We bring this courage to our customers and participants when conditions change.
Transparency
Transparency is not a state for us, but an ongoing process. We communicate openly — this builds trust and makes our actions understandable to everyone.
Team spirit
We support one another and stand together – everyone can focus on their strengths. That way we overcome challenges and deliver tailored training.
Communication
We talk with each other, not about each other — openly and respectfully. This builds trust within the team and carries us through even when things get difficult.
Error culture
Anyone who takes action makes mistakes – we're not afraid of that. If something does happen, we talk about it openly and think in terms of solutions, not blame.
Diversity
For us, diversity means recognizing and valuing difference, regardless of background, gender, or worldview. We look for what we have in common – there is no place for discrimination.
Respect
For us, respect above all means listening. Criticism is welcome – factual and appreciative – just like sincere recognition. We respect one another with all our differences.
Trust
Trust is the foundation of work2gether – hard won, easily broken. A relationship of trust moves us forward, for employees as well as partners.
Reliability
Reliability is the basis of our cooperation – internally as well as with customers and partners. On an equal footing, we respond quickly to needs and develop solutions together.
Hamburg (Headquarters)
Köhlbranddeich 30
20457 Hamburg
+49 40 756082-0
Bremen
Tilsiter Straße 6-10
28217 Bremen
+49 421 478779-0
Bremerhaven
Senator-Borttscheller Street 14
27568 Bremerhaven
+49 421 478779-0
Certificates and Qualifications
Our certifications demonstrate the highest standards in quality, environmental protection, and safety
