OOCL Mourns the Passing of Mr. Tung Chee-hwa
Mr. Tung Chee-hwa, former Chairman of OOIL and the first Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, passed away peacefully on 8 September 2026 at the age of 89. Colleagues across OOCL worldwide are deeply saddened by his passing and wish to express their profound respect and deepest condolences.
Throughout his life, Mr. Tung was devoted to the sea and to the shipping industry. With a global vision and a deep sense of patriotism, he was a renowned shipping pioneer and trailblazer. Having studied marine engineering in his early years, he joined the family business and helped expand its ocean shipping operations around the world. He later became the second Chairman of OOIL and led the Company for fourteen years. At a time when the Company faced severe challenges and industry headwinds, Mr. Tung assumed leadership at a critical moment and guided OOCL through a major restructuring, restoring its foundations for future development. With keen industry insight and remarkable foresight, he advanced the development of OOCL's global container liner network and was among the first in the industry to champion the application of information technology in shipping. His vision and leadership laid a solid foundation for OOCL's growth into one of the world's leading transportation and logistics companies.
As one of the key pioneers in the modernization of China's shipping industry, Mr. Tung recognized the opportunities of a changing era and worked closely with industry peers to promote the deeper integration of Chinese shipping into the global trade, helping to chart the course for the industry's development. As the first Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr. Tung devoted himself wholeheartedly to public service. At a pivotal moment in the implementation of the principle of "One Country, Two Systems", he worked tirelessly to safeguard and strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international maritime center, helping to ensure that the Pearl of the Orient continued to shine on the world stage.
To OOCL, Mr. Tung was not only a distinguished leader of extraordinary achievements, but also a revered guiding figure who helped steer the Company through challenging times. The foundations he laid and the values he exemplified have become an integral part of OOCL's identity. His pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment will always be remembered and cherished by all at OOCL. Mr. Tung's lifelong dedication to shipping and his deep devotion to his country will remain a lasting beacon, guiding OOCL as it continues to navigate the future and pursue sustainable growth.
Mr. Tung Chee-hwa will be remembered with the deepest respect and gratitude. May he rest in peace.