German shipowner Christel Vinnen, who guided family firm F. A. Vinnen & Co. into the container sector over 40 years ago and led it through decades of change, has died at the age of 90.

His death was announced by his son and current managing director, Michael Vinnen, in a post on LinkedIn, saying it came “with great sadness.”

“Christel Vinnen was a shipowner with all his heart and loved international shipping,” the Bremen-based company said in an obituary.

Vinnen joined the historic family-owned shipping company in 1959, becoming the sixth generation to lead a business that traces its roots back to 1797. Working first alongside his father, he later took full responsibility for the firm, steering it from traditional tramp and liner trades into container shipping.

He was known for his calm leadership and long-term focus, guiding F. A. Vinnen through both prosperous and turbulent periods in the industry. Under his watch, the company modernised its fleet and strengthened its global operations while keeping its family-owned character intact.

Vinnen handed over management to the next generation in 2004 but remained active in shipping and charitable circles for many years. Colleagues described him as a respected figure who combined professionalism with a strong sense of responsibility toward his employees.

F. A. Vinnen & Co., one of Germany’s oldest shipping firms, continues to operate from Bremen with a fleet of nearly 10 container and multipurpose vessels managed under family ownership.