One of the best-known names in Asian shipbroking is set to retire at the end of March.
Simon de Courcy Hughes, a co-founder of Rodskog Shipbrokers, tells Splash he intends to stay in Hong Kong, where he has been since the 1970s, and to continue to have some dealings in the shipping world. The flamboyant broker, 67, started his shipping career in the crew department at Maritime Overseas Co. He got into shipbroking in 1968. He then spent time in Australia with Universal Charterers before a stint in Tokyo. At this point, Peter Nash, the founder of Anglo Eastern tempted him to Hong Kong.
In 1978, de Courcy Hughes, along with Sverre Rodskog, Mike Reagan and Anthony Freeland, founded Rodskog Shipbrokers.
The company was subsequently sold to Kleinwort Benson, then onto Torm, before being taken over by Fearnleys at the turn of the century. De Courcy Hughes, a famous name in S&P and newbuild negotiations, has remained managing director of the Hong Kong office ever since.
In retirement, de Courcy Hughes will have more time for that most valuable of broking pursuits, golf. A keen golfer, de Courcy Hughes was the convenor of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association golfing forays as well as even writing for Splash sister title Maritime CEO on his favourite hole in golf.
