Kit Kernon, one of the most influential people in global shipping, has passed away. At the age of 56, the head of the shipping sector of the trading giant Vitol, died while in Singapore, possibly from a heart attack.
Kernon’s loss was confirmed by Vitol. Μore specifically, its CEO Russell Hardy stated: “Kit was an exemplary colleague. He built Vitol’s shipping business into a market leader, with his vision, pragmatism and good humour. He was loved and esteemed, both within the company and the shipping industry. We will miss him a great deal. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family. “
Those who knew Kit Kernon described him as a very intelligent, but also a very good man. He was a catalyst for the rise of the shipping division of Vitol, the world’s largest independent oil trader. His shipping skills were unparalleled. He had a deep understanding of market dynamics, earned the trust and loyalty of people and created value through his hard work and leadership.
Pioneer
Under Kit Kernon’s leadership, the shipping division of the world’s largest independent energy trader became a major influence on the charter market, with 6,000 voyages each year. Under his leadership, Vitol achieved unprecedented profitability and consolidated its position as a global leader. As a leader, he successfully managed the modernization and upgrade of the fleet, while being a global reference point for the future and prospects of green upgrading of the global fleet.
Kernon began his career at the brokerage firm Giles Pritchard Gordon in London. He then joined the Tanker Pacific trading team under the leadership of Idan Ofer in Singapore in 1993, before moving to Vitol. He was considered the driving force of the group and was highly respected and loved in the industry. He studied at Newcastle University between 1988 and 1991, obtaining a degree in naval architecture and marine engineering. In 2023, Kernon oversaw the consolidation of all of Vitol’s shipping activities into a new single company, Vitol International Shipping, as a CEO.
VIS was the new name of Mansel, Vitol’s pre-existing Singapore-based shipping company. Clarksons list Vitol’s fleet of 58 vessels, including aframaxes/LR2s, tankers, MR tankers, VLGCs and bitumen carriers. There are also nine new vessels on order, including four LR2s and LNG tankers. Kit Kernon was a charismatic businessman and his mark on the international shipping scene was one of the most impressive and remarkable in the world.
Melissanidis: “Farewell my friend”
In his message on the loss of Kit Kernon, Mr. Georgios Melissanidis stated:
“Kit Kernon was not just a friend to me. He was not just a colleague. Kit was a brother to me. He was always there when I needed him. I found Kit to be a great family man. Kit was also a loving father. Kit was a unique friend. A man with deep knowledge of shipping, passion, dedication and immense integrity.
I feel fortunate and blessed to have known him, worked with him and ultimately had the honor of calling him a friend.
A leader who inspired everyone around him. Vitol and the shipping world have lost a great man. My deepest condolences to his wife and children.”
Tomazos: A charismatic businessman
Mr. Fedon Tomazos, a close associate of Kit Kernon from the field of maritime shipbuilding, stated:
“Without a doubt, Kit Kernon was a charismatic businessman and leader, while his imprint on the international maritime scene was one of the most impressive and remarkable worldwide.
However, the mark he left as a man was more important as, although he worked tirelessly and pioneeringly, in one of the toughest professional arenas – that of oil and tankers – he managed to remain deeply human, with delicacy and kindness, and with a deep empathy that perhaps only a person who has been hurt can feel… The global maritime community is shocked and the messages exchanged demonstrate the beauty that a worthy person can leave behind when departing.”