Wilhelm Wilhelmsen (1839–1910)

Wilh. Wilhelmsen

Morten Wilhelm Wilhelmsen, known as Wilh. Wilhelmsen (born 12 July 1839 in Tønsberg, died 1910) was a Norwegian shipping magnate. In 1861, he founded the Wilh. Wilhelmsen shipping company, which would eventually become Norway's largest shipping company. By 1886, he had established himself as Tønsberg's largest ship-owner. He was also Mayor of Tønsberg in 1894 and Consul.

He received the Order of St. Olav (Knight First Class) and the French Legion of Honour.

His sons were Wilhelm Wilhelmsen and Halfdan Wilhelmsen, who were pioneers in the transition from sailing ships to steamships.

Literature

• The history of Wilh. Wilhelmsen
• Oscar A. Johnsen: Tønsberg historie, bind 3, 1952–1954
• Den Kongelige norske Sankt Olavs orden 1847-1947, Grøndahl & Søns Forlag, Oslo, 1947