Greek shipping figure and former Baltic Exchange director Nicolas J Lykiardopoulos has died.

Lykiardopoulos was first elected to the exchange in 1961 and enjoyed a long career in shipping with Loucas Nomikos (Chartering) and N S Lemos & Co.

“Nico will be greatly missed as a colleague and friend,” said one industry friend.

Lykiardopoulos was on the board of the Baltic Exchange from 1995 to 2000, it said in a statement, confirming his death on Tuesday this week.