Harm Meierdirks, Chairman of the Overseas Shippers Association (OSA) and Director of Carl Hartman, has died, aged just 56.

He had been diagnosed with two inoperable brain tumours in March last year and, despite several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, he passed away on 30 December, 2023. He leaves behind his wife Janine and two sons Jakob and Jannis.

As a Board member of OSA, for 26 years he was actively involved in negotiating ocean freight rates on behalf of many in the international moving industry and contributed greatly to the running of the Association and its growth.

In a posting, Rob van Steensel from OSA said that Harm was a sharp communicator and negotiator with an impressive business acumen. “Harm will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for the kindness and warmth he brought to OSA.  His absence will be deeply felt by all.” Rob will act as interim chairman of the OSA Board.

Steve Jordan, Editor of The Mover magazine, had known Harm for many years. “Harm was a regular contributor to the magazine,” he said. “He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the shipping industry and I frequently called upon him to comment on salient issues. In contributing he never had to consult notes or research, he just knew his stuff and was able to communicate complex topics concisely and clearly. Harm was brilliant.” 

Photo:  Harm Meierdirks.