Maritime Greenwich honours Sammy Ofer

The Wharf - Louisa Emery

Billionaire shipping magnate Sammy Ofer who made multi million pound donations to Greenwich maritime, died weeks before the opening of the National Maritime Museum wing also named after him.

Cutty Sark Trust chief executive Richard Doughty said: "Mr Ofer made an extraordinary donation to the Cutty Sark. We are very grateful that he stepped in at a critical time following the fire and his commitment and personal generosity reflect the reputation he earned within the international maritime trading community.

"We are very proud that we will be naming the gallery under the ship in his honour."

Mr Ofer donated £3.3million to the restoration of the Cutty Sark after taking a personal interest in the project. He last visited earlier this year, just before the ship began its lifting stage. His £21million gift to the National Maritime Museum allowed the building of an extension to provide increased gallery space, an archive research centre and cafe.

Mr Doughty said: It is a great sadness he will not be able to see the opening in a couple of weeks. We extend our deepest condolences to his family."