Hans Jungbluth: farewell to a charismatic and respected shipping pioneer

Container shipping pioneer, and a dear friend and colleague, Hans Jungbluth (pictured above), passed away following a fall on 29 March at his Hamburg home.

Born in 1932, Hans paved the way for today’s feeder shipping sector after he recognised, in the 1970s and 1980s, that deepsea container shipping lines required liner and ad hoc relay services to strengthen their networks.

Notwithstanding the regular links between the Hamburg-Le Havre range offered by Bugsier Line, for which Hans worked for more than 40 years, he persuaded carriers to support Bugsier’s feeder services linking continental and UK ports with Dublin, Cork and Belfast.

Moreover, during strikes, weather delays and empty position requirements, Bugsier was a trusted choice for all major shipping lines as an extension of their service to shippers.

Following the takeover of its shortsea division by EuroFeeders in the late 1990s, Hans was retained in a senior consultancy capacity, his experience and advice invaluable in the growth of the UK-based company.

Right up to his death, Hans continued as a maritime consultant, and there are few senior container executives who do not hold fond memories of his style of warm personal contact combined with a genuine enthusiasm for shipping.

Hans’ funeral will take place at his home port of Hamburg next week – unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, it will be limited to a small private ceremony.

However, it is hoped that friends and colleagues will be able celebrate Hans’ life and achievements, and see him off in a style that befits this charismatic shipping man, once lockdown restrictions have been lifted.

He is survived by his wife, Luth Miller, son Frank (Max) and daughter Lesley, to whom The Loadstar would like to extend deep condolences.