THE AUSTRALIAN shipping community has lost “a true gentleman” with the passing on Sunday [26 April] of Paul Nicholson at the age of 83.
Tributes have poured out to ‘Nicko’ on LinkedIn and elsewhere, remembering a man described as “lovely and genuine”, “a great mentor”, “a pleasure to work with”, “a guiding light and great support”, “patient and knowledgeable”, “a character and personality, not afraid of sharing and including others, that always flavoured with that bit of laughter”, and “an absolute legend”.
Nicko came from Wandsworth in the UK where he was originally a policeman. Arriving in Australia he worked with Seabridge Australia, representing continental shipping lines, in the 70s and 80s, and later for the Reads at Seaport, at Evergreen, and between around 2002 and 2012 at Seaway Agencies, before retiring.
In a note to staff Seaway said “A former UK Bobby, Nicko went on to become a well-known and respected figure in the shipping world".
"Through his work at numerous shipping entities, a stint with the DCN, and finally — his time with Seaway (Agencies), he built a reputation for deep knowledge, sharp insight, and unwavering professionalism. Nicko earnt the trust and respect of colleagues across the industry," Seaway stated.
“Nicko wasn’t just experienced — he was a true character of the maritime community, a familiar name, and for many, a mentor and friend.
“His contribution to the shipping industry and SEAWAY leaves a lasting mark, and his presence will be greatly missed.”
CEO Craig McElvaney told DCN "while he was across all aspects of Seaway Agencies’ business his heart was firmly in the ro/ro business, where he was the Line Manager for Hoegh Autoliners for around the last 10 years of his career".
“He was always there to lend an ear to anyone who needed a chat or some advice. He had a wonderful sense of humour and as someone said in the comments, just the right amount of cheekiness," Mr McElvaney said.
And yes, Nicko did work for a time with DCN in sales but to this writer he is fondly remembered as always willing to share knowledge and guidance with ‘a keen young journalist’.
Nicko was also one of the small group of industry folk who joined together to organise the famous DCN Annual Golf Day which, running for more than 30 years, has raised almost $1 million for charity, as outlined below.
Former publisher of Lloyd’s List DCN (now DCN), Peter Attwater, said he, along with the whole maritime community, was deeply saddened at news of the passing of Paul Nicholson.
“Known universally as ‘Nicko’, he was one of the first persons I met after Informa Australia acquired the DCN in 1999,” he said.
“Nicko was a constant figure in our office in Sussex Street having been regularly called upon by one of the journalists to provide background to a story — his industry knowledge and contacts were second to none and many of our “scoops” came from a Nicko tip-off.
“He also joined our sales staff for a period but always felt more comfortable being back at the coal face of the industry where he was universally respected.
“One of his many industry involvements was through the Shipping Industry Golf Challenge and he was among the original team of volunteers which started this iconic day in the mid-1990s, maintaining his enthusiastic involvement with this event until his health prevented his active participation a couple of years ago.
“Nicko was a great personal friend to me and countless others in the Sydney maritime community which has lost one of its truly great characters.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife, Sue and family,” Mr Attwater said.