Maritime Erlebniswelt Papenburg documents the development of shipping on the Ems River and the broader significance of maritime industry. The museum opened in 2007 and is situated directly on the harbor basin of Papenburg. Its approximately 1,500 m² of exhibition space are divided into two clearly defined sections: one covering Ems shipping from timber transport and passenger traffic to modern cruise shipping, and the other addressing global maritime topics such as navigation, meteorology, and marine technology.
the "Shipping on the Ems" area, historical techniques and processes are illustrated through interactive stations. Visitors can simulate tides and currents on a model dyke, observe water flows in a recreated Ems canal, and follow the transport of logs on traditional rafts. Numerous faithful ship models—including scale reproductions of cruise ships built by the local shipyard—historic navigational instruments such as sextant and chronometer, and a restored wheelhouse from an excursion steamer vividly convey the technical equipment of bygone eras.
The "Global Maritime World" section covers key aspects of seafaring worldwide: radar and radio technology are explained, weather systems are visualized through projection displays, and the operation of large diesel engines in ship hulls is demonstrated using an installed marine diesel engine. An original, multi-ton ship propeller blade and equipment from ocean-going and research vessels offer insights into industrial fabrication and material science.
Mooring directly adjacent in the harbor basin is the former dredger “Ems,” now serving as a floating exhibit that highlights the practical importance of maintaining channel depths and fairways. Traditional flat-bottomed boats, once used for transporting goods and passengers on the Ems, are also on display.
The museum additionally hosts rotating special exhibitions on specialized maritime topics and provides educational programs for school groups and professional visitors. Its comprehensive concept links the local shipyard history—in Papenburg, shipbuilding enterprises date back to the late 18th century—the ecological dimensions of river and coast, and the overarching technical and economic history of seafaring. In doing so, Maritime Erlebniswelt Papenburg offers a factual presentation of maritime tradition and innovation.
