Trond Lillestolen's big break after studying social science at Oslo University was getting a job at the Norwegian Broadcasting Corp as a business, shipping and economics reporter.
After a couple of years working as spokesman for the governor of the Central Bank of Norway, he was approached by Norwegian publishing iconoclast Kare Valebrokk to join the TradeWinds launch team.
"The idea of a new Norwegian shipping newspaper like TradeWinds appealed to me from the start," Lillestolen said when he was appointed editor in December 1990.
Over the following 30 years he has lived up to his pledge to "present a new look at shipping" and make a publication that is both "critical and serious".
Lillestolen's independence was a key strength, said Svein Steimler, president and chief executive of NYK Group Europe and a former executive for John Fredriksen.
"As editor-in-chief of the weekly 'Blue Paper' he has both pleased and at times frustrated — if not irritated — its readers. Me being one!" Steimler said.
"I have at times discussed this with Trond, but recognise that journalism is about spreading facts as interpreted by the journalist, be it for the better or worse."
Lillestolen was constantly driven by the search for market-moving news, and the story behind the people taking the decisions and the money made — or lost.
He called shipping "a great theme for a journalist".
With its "infinite variations" and its close relationship to international politics, Lillestolen said shipping "will never be dull".
"On the contrary," he added, "news sources are inexhaustible, and with its cyclical nature the industry presents an endless series of ups and downs that are fascinating to follow.
"Uncertainty will always be present in shipping, and for me this presents a constant challenge."
While readers saw Lillestolen's own journalism in print, his influence behind the scenes in building the reporting and commercial teams was just as influential.
"For 20 years, Trond was at the heart of not only the journalism, but also the commercial success of TradeWinds," said Julian Bray, who succeeded Lillestolen as editor-in-chief in 2011.
"He recruited and inspired a team of journalists that reshaped the landscape of shipping journalism, the influence of which can now be seen worldwide. And he maintained a clear and robust focus on commercial discipline and strong ethical barriers to ensure independence."
Steimler added: "I would like to thank Trond for his dedicated contribution to the maritime industry and wish him the very best in a well-earned and deserved retirement."
