Karl G. Andrén

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Karl G. Andrén who, surrounded by his family, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born on September 24, 1946 in Mariehamn, Åland Islands, Finland to Karl Wikar Andrén and Margaretha Andrén. In 1962, he immigrated with his family to the United States, graduating from Fort Lee High School and going on the earn his undergraduate degree in Geology from Upsala College followed by a master’s degree in Mineral Economics from The Pennsylvania State University.

Karl began his business career in 1969, taking a job with Dominick & Dominick first as a research analyst before moving onto corporate finance. After five years, he struck out on his own in what would become a prolific and entrepreneurial maritime and shipping career. He was inspired to go into this field by his father who was a sea captain. Having rounded Cape Horn on a grain ship in the early twentieth century, his father became a member of the International Association of Cape Horners, an association for seafarers who rounded Cape Horn on sailing ships without engines.

In 1974, Karl purchased Manhattan Oil Transportation, a tug and barge company that focused on shipping chemicals and oils in the eastern United States. Shortly thereafter, he expanded operations in the Gulf of Mexico region, taking advantage of the oilfield boom by purchasing Higman Towing Company. In 1978, Karl founded United Tank Containers, which was acquired by Stolt-Nielsen Ltd. in 1982. The division, renamed Stolt Tank Containers, would become one of the world’s largest marine transporters of bulk liquids.

In 1981, Karl acquired Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, one of New York City’s largest tourist destinations, regularly attracting one million people a year. Over the better part of the next three decades, Circle Line would be an enduring fixture to tourists and New Yorkers alike. Karl continued to enhance Circle Line, adding new products and programming that ranged from specialty crafts such as a speedboat called The Beast to playing host to an episode of Late Night with Conan O’Brien. In 1988, Karl purchased World Yacht, a fleet of restaurant boats offering lunch and dinner cruises with Manhattan’s skyline as the backdrop.

Inspired by his passion for international travel, in 1984 Karl conceived and built Windstar Sail Cruises, an international cruise line. Three 440-foot modern sailing cruise ships with computer operated sails were ordered and built at the Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre, Le Havre, France. At the time of launch, the Windstar ships were the largest sailing cruise ships in the world, offering destination experiences in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and the South Pacific. The company was sold in 1988 to Holland America Line.

Throughout his career, Karl received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to the tourist and business sectors in the United States and Europe. He was named “Alumnus of the Year” by Upsala College in 1985. The City of New York recognized Karl with the Mayor’s Liberty Award in 1986. In 1999, he was awarded a Medal of Honor by the Ellis Island Honors Society. Karl also received numerous international recognitions. In 1987, he was honored by the French government, receiving the Legion of Honor (Chevalier). In 1993, Karl was recognized and received Knight, First Class of the Royal Order of the North Star from Sweden. In 2003, he was awarded Knight, First Class, of the Order of the Lion of Finland.

Karl was also a very active member of numerous boards and organizations, including the New York Visitors and Convention Bureau, Presidents Riverboat Casinos Inc., Bureau Veritas, the Swedish Royal Round Table, the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, and the Bernadotte Foundation for Children’s Eyecare, Inc. His passion for education also inspired him to serve as a trustee for Upsala College, Brunswick School, and the American-Scandinavian Foundation.

Karl is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Louise. Together, they raised two children, Patrick Andrén, married to Heather, and Jenafer Andrén-Kazunas, married to Todd. He is also survived by his brother Anders Andrén, married to Maureen. Karl was a very proud grandfather to Wills, Henry, Peter and Niels Andrén and Colin and Caitlin Kazunas who lovingly called him “Farfar.” Karl took great pride in his family’s lives, successes, and well-being and provided them with unwavering love and support. In addition, Karl was a mentor to many people, providing them with advice and mentorship as they embarked on their careers or sought opportunities to advance.

Outside of his family and career, Karl enjoyed several hobbies, including golf, tennis, skiing and traveling the world. He was a voracious reader with a deep passion for history and current affairs. He could regularly be found in his library surrounded by books and magazines.

The family would like to extend thanks to all of Karl’s friends and healthcare professionals who helped him through his cancer treatment, especially Dr. Merlin Sung Lee and Dr. Allison Campbell of the Smilow Cancer Hospital Center in Greenwich, CT.

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends in Greenwich in the early spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Karl Andren’s name to the American-Scandinavian Foundation using https://www.scandinaviahouse.org/support/ or contacting , Elizabeth Scheel, Development Manager (212-847-9715 ) or to The American Cancer Society using https://donate3.cancer.org.

For additional information, updates on the service date and time, or to register in the online guestbook, please visit http://leopgallaghergreenwich.com/ .