Norwegian shipping veteran Otto Fritzner has died at 78 after a lengthy illness.

He served in many roles at chemical tanker owner Stolt Nielsen Transportation Group (STNG), a subsidiary of Stolt Nielsen, before taking over as chief executive in 2004.

When Fritzner was appointed CEO of SNTG, Stolt Nielsen chief executive Niels Stolt-Nielsen said: "Otto Fritzner brings extensive parcel trade and general shipping experience and knowledge to this key position.