Hans-Henrik Nielsen: 'what a man – gone too soon'

The Loadstar is deeply shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of industry favourite Hans-Henrik Nielsen. 

A friend and mentor to hundreds of us in the logistics industry, the news has left the industry reeling. 

Announced on LinkedIn by friend and former colleague Arjun Vikram-Singh, who confirmed the news with former employer GAC, HHN (as he was affectionately called), suffered a heart attack while doing what he did best, talking logistics. 

“He was a true industry stalwart – maybe he did not gain the spotlight and accolades as some others did – but he had tremendous standing with his peers and their respect,” said Mr Vikram-Singh. 

HHN left CargoGulf, where he had been for nearly 20 years, in December, announcing his “slightly retired” plans. He sent The Loadstar a deliciously cryptic note on his ’retirement’: “Holiday mode kicking in, and I will chill for the first time in my family’s history.  

“There will be a future … a hint: look at Popeye’s t-shirt and spinach can… a little teaser for the eagle-eyed follower.” 

And he had just entered what he called his “brave new world’’. 

Mr Vikram-Singh wrote, noting his “millions” of friends in freight: “Gone too soon. Way way too soon. HHN was so enjoying his retirement – joking if there was any such thing for a shipping man.

“What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man. Yes he was.” 

HHN’s last post on LinkedIn was just one day ago, when he wrote: “Shipping triumvirate in Dubai! Hidden away in an old Irish pub, I met up with Lars Jensen (Vespucci Maritime) & Peter Creeden (MPC). They are here in Dubai to run their famous liner shipping game open house industry workshop. We also managed to solve the global shipping challenges over the fabulous Irish stew from Fibber Mcgee’s. A lively and envigorating conversation. It was a pleasure.” 

HHN – it was always a pleasure to chat with you. 

The Loadstar sends our deepest condolences to family, friends – and the freight industry. He will be sorely missed around the world.