Sammy Ofer. 'Enormous contribution'
Photo: Meir Fartush
Britain honors Israeli shipping tycoon
Businessman Sammy Ofer awarded honorary KBE by Queen Elizabeth in recognition of his services to UK maritime heritage
Israeli businessman and shipping tycoon Samuel Ofer has been awarded an honorary KBE (Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth, in recognition of his services to UK maritime heritage.
Through his continued relations with London and its shipping community, Ofer developed a deep admiration and respect for the UK’s maritime history, the British Embassy in Israel said in a statement Wednesday.
Ofer served in the Royal Navy during World War II. He and his brother, Yuli, went on to create one of the largest private shipping companies in the world, operating a significant part of its fleet from London.
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In 2008 he contributed towards projects connected with the UK’s maritime heritage at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich. A major new wing at the National Maritime Museum will be named The Sammy Ofer Wing.
The custom-designed exhibition spaces and highly accessible archives will transform the Museum’s capacity to develop and engage with a new generation of audiences, both on site and online.
Ofer made a major contribution towards the extensive conservation work on the iconic sailing ship Cutty Sark, following the fire in 2007. When the project is complete in 2010, a gallery beneath the Cutty Sark, to be named The Sammy Ofer Gallery, will enable visitors an opportunity to see the shape of the ship’s hull.
The KBE awards are conferred by the Queen, on the advice of the foreign and commonwealth secretary, on those who have made an important contribution to British interests.
British Culture Secretary Andy Burnham said Wednesday, "Sammy Ofer’s contribution to the preservation and celebration of our maritime heritage has been enormous. Thanks to his incredible generosity this heritage will continue to educate, delight and fire the imaginations of many generations to come.”
