Asiatic Lloyd was set up in late 2008 by Friedrich Bunnemann. Over five generations the Bunnemann family has successfully run various shipping activities worldwide. The name Herm. Dauelsberg GmbH & Co KG has been closely related to the development of these activities, being one of the oldest and most reputable shipowning entities in Germany.

The company was founded in 1857 and soon obtained permission from the chamber of commerce to run an existing shipbrokering firm in the port of Bremen. The first generation of the family, Mr. Christian August Bunnemann, was already with the existing company as an apprentice.