It will end a 40-year career in the industry, which has seen him serving in Brazil, Chile, Australia and Hong Kong.

Mr Smet has been a member of Hamburg Süd’s management board since 2012. He was initially responsible for network, operations and logistics before assuming responsibility for sales and customer service in 2017.

That role will be performed by Hamburg Süd chief executive Arnt Vespermann.

“We will be saying goodbye to a shipping man who is highly esteemed worldwide, who knows the business better than almost anyone else and who has achieved a whole lot for Hamburg Süd,” Dr Vespermann said.