Stolt-Nielsen Limited history

By 1963, the company operated a fleet of 18 vessels, and had opened offices in Oslo and Japan.

The discovery of rich hydrocarbon deposits beneath Norway's coastal shelf in 1968 was to transform that small country into one of the world's largest oil producers, giving birth to new numbers of companies providing support and services for the blossoming Norwegian offshore oil industry.

In 1970, Stolt-Nielsen once again took the lead in the industry it had launched when it ordered seven new vessels.

In 1973, he created Stolt-Nielsen Seaway A/S (pictured) to provide innovative diving services to the offshore oil and gas industry in the North Sea.

Samuel Cooperman, who had been with Stolt-Nielsen since 1974 was elected as Chairman in April.

By 1977, Stolt-Nielsen was losing money and its financial troubles had forced it to seek deeper pockets.

In 1982, with Stolt Tankers, Stolthaven Terminals and Stolt Sea Farm all operating successfully, Jacob founded Stolt Tank Containers (STC), a transportation mode that was in its infancy and which he saw as a natural complement to the Stolt Tankers business.

The company was also actively exploring new breeding species, such as halibut, the development of which was launched in 1986.

After ending its shareholder agreement with BP in 1987, Stolt-Nielsen took on a new shareholder, in the form of Japan's NYK Line, which purchased a 10 percent stake in the company.

1988: Stolt-Nielsen is listed on the NASDAQ exchange.

In 1992, the company acquired rival offshore services company Comex (UK) Ltd., merging that company with its existing subsidiary to form the new Stolt Comex Seaway company.

By 1993, this research resulted in the launch of the company's Sterling halibut farm stock.

After opening a sales office in Singapore in 1995, Stolt Sea Farm consolidated its Asian presence with the purchase of Cocoon Ltd.

In 1998, the company beefed up its presence in the Asian Pacific with the purchase of a stake in Dovechem Terminals Holdings Ltd.

That company acquired Paragon Engineering Services Inc. in 2001, becoming the leading player in its market.

inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame, 2002

an honorary Doctor of Maritime Science degree, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Philippines, in recognition of his experience and pioneering achievements in international shipping, 2008.

He had served as a Director of the Company for 22 years, and as Chairman since 2009.

Stolt Sea Farm begins producing sole in Anglet, France, with estimated production of 300 tonnes in 2010.

Five years later, on December 15, 2014, Jacob Stolt-Nielsen retired from the SNL Board of Directors, formally concluding his career at the Company, 55 years to the day that he founded it.