Danish trade union leader Ole Philipsen remembered as 'influential voice' for seafarers worldwide

Nautilus International has expressed its deep sadness at the death of Ole Philipsen, the long-serving head of Danish officers' union Metal Maritime and CO-Søfart, who passed away on 3 December following a sudden illness.

Nautilus International general secretary Mark Dickinson said: 'It is with sadness that we have learnt of the death of our colleague Ole Philipsen. Many of us at Nautilus International worked with Ole at various ITF and ETF meetings, and bilaterally too, for many years, and greatly valued his contribution and his leadership, not least within the Offshore Wind, Oil and Gas sector. He will be very much missed, and we express our sincere condolences to his family, friends and fellow comrades in the trade union world.'

A formidable advocate for maritime workers

Metal Maritime consultant Christian Petersen announced Mr Philipsen's death in a statement, describing him as 'a strong, energetic and respected chairman' who was much liked by employees at the union's Copenhagen headquarters.

Mr Philipsen had wielded considerable influence across Denmark's maritime sector for almost 30 years, particularly in advancing working conditions and rights for seafarers and offshore workers.

'Internationally, Ole was an influential voice for both seafarers and offshore workers,' Mr Petersen said. 'He had taken up many battles to improve working life at sea.' 

Respected across the negotiating table

Whilst Mr Philipsen was known as a formidable counterpart in negotiations, he commanded widespread respect throughout the industry. His ability to fight tenaciously for maritime workers' interests whilst maintaining professional relationships made him an effective leader in both national and international forums.

'Although a formidable counterpart, there was without doubt much earned respect,' Mr Petersen noted. 

As head of Metal Maritime and chairman of CO-Søfart, Mr Philipsen held influential positions within Denmark's maritime labour movement. CO-Søfart serves as an umbrella organisation representing six different union bodies, giving Mr Philipsen a platform to advocate for a broad spectrum of maritime professionals.