An industry-recognized expert as well as an innovator of the modern dry bulk carrier, Ole Skaarup established Skaarup Shipping Corporation in 1951, following several years of commercial shipping employment in New York. In 1954, he conceived, designed and contracted for the construction of the first ocean-going bulk carrier, which became the prototype for today’s bulkers. Later, he designed the gravity-type self-unloading bulk carrier, an important innovation in ocean shipping and core strength of Skaarup’s business. His creativity, experience, vision and expertise provide a source of sustainable growth for the Skaarup Organization, its partners and clients alike. Born and educated in Denmark, he served in the United States Army from 1941 to 1946 as an officer in the Transportation Corps where he gained extensive experience in ocean transportation. Responding to the OPA 90, he has been a key participant in studies of technological advances of oil tanker design aimed at the protection of the marine environment, as well as in the work of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Ole Skaarup has been chairman of Lloyd’s American Committee, a Board Member of West of England P & I Club, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Federation of American Controlled Shipping (FACS). He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science degree at the Webb Institute of Naval Architecture in recognition of his efforts to reform the maritime policies of the United States, and to assist in a revival of the U.S. shipbuilding industry. In 1998 he was inducted into the Maritime Hall of Fame of the United Nations.

With more than 30 years of industrial experience, Frank brings unique values and strategic visions to Skaarup’s dynamic growth. Joining the Skaarup Organization in 1985 as Vice President of Finance, he helped initiate and develop partnerships with major investors, achieving satisfactory results in asset and risk management as well as financial performance. His strong engineering and technical strengths give him great insights in achieving our high quality ship-operations, maintenance, and efficiencies at Skaarup. His finance expertise adds value to our partners and clients alike. He received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1969 from Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey, and he worked in the power generating business until 1985. Thereafter, he joined the Skaarup Organization with an MBA in Finance.

Thomas Bene started in the shipping business in Hamburg, Germany followed by a year in London, UK. He joined the Skaarup Organization in 1960. He became President of Skaarup Chartering in 1979 and President of Skaarup Shipping in 1990. These positions cover activities in brokerage, sale and purchase, chartering, ship management and the commercial development of the company’s owned and chartered tonnage. His rich expertise, insightful views, hands-on experience, and extensive customer base, all add invaluable assets to Skaarup and its clients.