Alastair Fischbacher retired from heading up Rio Tinto’s expanding fleet of bulkers in April, bringing to an end a 14-year career when the global metals and mining group decided to shift its shipping operations to Singapore.

He has since taken up the role of director at the environmental group, Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI), and has also taken a directorship at the Sailors’ Society, a charity close to the heart of the former mariner.