Maersk Mc-Kinney Moeller dies after 'long and eventful life?

Shipping tycoon Arnold Maersk Mc-Kinney Moeller, who ran the Danish business his father founded for almost 40 years, died on 16 April aged 98.

Moeller passed away in his sleep, after being admitted to hospital last week, according to reports.

A statement from the family business said: “Will and energy characterised Maersk Mc-Kinney Moeller's endeavours.”

His last public appearance was at the firm’s annual general meeting last week – the company recently reported a 36% fall in profits to DKK18.08 billion (€2.43 billion), from DKK28.22 billion in 2010.

Born to Danish father Arnold Peter Moeller and American mother Chastine Estelle Mc-Kinney Moeller in 1913, Mc-Kinney Moeller first became joint owner of the company Firmaet AP Moeller in 1940.

After his father’s death in 1965, he took over the chairmanship of AP Moeller - Maersk Group – a role he held until 2003. He also took responsibility for the company’s daily management until 1993.

“With the death of Maersk Mc-Kinney Moeller, the AP Moeller - Maersk Group has lost a businessman of international format and the man who, if any, can take credit for the group being among the world's leading and Denmark's undisputed largest business,” said the statement.

His daughter Ane Maersk Mc-Kinney Uggla described him as a man who had “never failed neither his family nor his business”.

"On behalf of the entire family, I wish to express our deep sorrow at the loss of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather,” she said in the company’s statement.

She added that her father had lived a “long and eventful life” – which saw him made a knight of the Danish Order of the Elephant and run a number of foundations.

“In his never failing wish to do good, together with many and great initiatives, he has left a significant mark on our time,” she said.

Mc-Kinney Moeller, one of the richest men in Denmark, is survived by his three daughters. His wife Emma, who he married in 1940, died in 2005.