Tim Hartnoll wins Alumni of the Year for Professional Excellence

Tim Hartnoll (1973 cohort) has built the largest common feeder carrier in the world, and the 13th largest container ship operator in the world. Employing over five hundred people worldwide operating over one hundred vessels. Starting its routes in Singapore and Southeast Asia. By connecting many smaller regional economies to large transhipment hubs such as Singapore and Colombo their operations have assisted in the spread of globalisation that has lifted millions out of poverty.

Pre-covid Tim Hartnoll took a bold commitment to order the company's first net carbon neutral vessels. The first tranche of these ships (8 vessels) was delivered in 2024 and are pioneering the first low carbon and potentially net carbon neutral trades in North Europe by burning green methanol in their engines. He and his family call Singapore home.

Tim and his sisters attended Tanglin whilst his mother and wife taught here for many years. Today a fourth generation, his granddaughter attends Nursery at Tanglin

I am truly honoured to be receiving the Tanglin Alumni award. 

Reflecting on my journey, I realize how instrumental Tanglin Trust School (Raeburn Park to be exact) was in shaping my path. The strong educational foundation I received there, coupled with the lifelong friendships formed within the expatriate community, has been invaluable. These friendships and the support network built during those early years have greatly helped me during the times when I had to be schooled thousands of miles away at boarding school after Tanglin, something which my children did not need to do. 

When I went to school ideas like climate change and personal and corporate socual responsibility were non-existent.  As a business owner and industry leader, I believe we have a collective responsibility to reduce our impact on the environment. Our company has initiated several programs aimed at meeting climate change targets by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, we prioritize navigational decisions on our ships to protect whales and minimize the risk of collisions. Beyond our environmental focus, we are committed to supporting charities that work towards alleviating poverty and providing education to women and children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Thank you once again for this prestigious recognition. It serves as a reminder of the values instilled in me during my time at Tanglin Trust School and the continued importance of contributing positively to our world.