One of the industry’s most colourful characters, Peter Nash, died at his home in Liverpool on January 23 after a brave fight against cancer. Outspoken, articulate, passionate about the industry – and about fast cars – and always prepared to stand up for his principles, Nash headed up Ahrenkiel Liner Service, which entered the Far East-SA trade during the 1980s. Never one to hide his feelings under diplomatic phrases, he had that brash, outspoken truthfulness typical of the old Hong Kong shipping brigands. If you wanted a quote on any issue, no matter how controversial it was, or how much others were concealing their true opinions with a lot of meaningless words, Peter was the man to speak to. FTW articles were that much brighter with an injection of Nash-speak. Long-time colleague at ALS, Terry Harding, described Peter as a man who had the courage of his convictions. “During the 1980s, the Conference lines considered that the South African/Far East trading routes were their sole domain, but Peter had very different ideas and wasn’t afraid to confront them head-on,” Harding told FTW. “During his watch ALS provided an alternative, efficient multipurpose operation which was supported by the likes of Nissan, Alusaf, Hitachi and the granite producers – and was the envy of many operators. “To define his character requires many adjectives – exuberant, entertaining, confrontational, hospitable – but resolute, and he faced his illness with those same qualities, which baffled his doctors.” One event on his annual calendar that he enjoyed most was the ALS Christmas party, said Harding, “which I’m sure many of your readers of that era will fondly remember.” Looking through the FTW archives, we found an item written on his retirement in 1999 by FTW columnist at the time, ‘Wharf Rat’, which aptly sums up the essence of who he was: “I go to the Bryanston Club for Peter Nash’s farewell party. Peter has always been an entertaining speaker and this occasion was no exception; in fact, it was probably the best if not the saddest speech he’s ever had to make, and was full of funny and interesting snippets from his experiences over the years. Searching for a suitable comparison for Peter, I ask Glencore’s John Stevenson for his view. Interestingly enough, he says Margaret Thatcher. Whilst he can be impatient, and doesn’t suffer fools gladly, it is doubtful if anyone else possessed the strength of personality to take ALS to where it is today. An apt epitaph, Peter... He will be remembered with affection by the staff of FTW.
