Tor Olav Troim’s decision to step down from his full-time post with John Fredriksen’s Seatankers Group marks the drawing to close of one era that has helped define shipping over the past 20 years. But just as significantly, it heralds the opening of a new one which reflects fundamental changes to the industry.

As Fredriksen’s right-hand man, Troim has been at the heart of development of his group over the past 19 years, as it expanded away from tankers into LNG, offshore drilling, dry bulk and even fish farming.