Good Bad Billionaire John Fredriksen: Tanker king
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Oct 27, 2025 Explore the wild life of John Fredriksen, the shipping magnate who once ran the world’s largest fleet of oil tankers. Discover his rise from a shipbroker to a billionaire through risky oil trades and daring deals in war zones. Hear about his infamous past, including a jail stint and the transformation prompted by an environmental disaster. Learn how he leveraged industry crises to expand his empire and why his investments in safety and double-hulled tankers became game-changers in the business. A riveting tale of ambition, controversy, and resilience!
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Information Advantage Launched His Career
- John Fredriksen leveraged telex shipping data to spot market opportunities earlier than competitors.
- He used information advantage to move from broker to trader and then to owner, scaling returns.
Bought Low During The Oil Embargo
- Fredriksen bought cheap ships during the 1973 OPEC crisis and held them until rates recovered.
- That gamble turned into about $40 million profit across five years.
Sailing Into The Tanker War
- He sailed tankers into the Iran-Iraq war, taking contracts to move Iranian crude to Syria.
- His fleet suffered direct hits and crew deaths, yet the deals paid handsomely.