Karl G. Andren

With deep sorrow we mourn the passing of Karl G. Andren who died on February 7, 2023. Karl was born on September 24, 1946 in Mariehamn, Åland Islands, Finland. In 1962, he immigrated with his family to the United States, graduating from Fort Lee High School and going on to receive an undergraduate degree from Upsala College and a master’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University.

Karl began his prolific career at Dominick & Dominick; he became a maritime and shipping industry entrepreneur. Karl acquired several tug and barge companies in the 1970s, focusing on shipping oils and chemicals. In 1978 he founded United Tank Containers, which was ultimately sold to StoltNielsen Ltd., and became 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 attractions. Over the better part of the next three decades Karl continued to enhance Circle Line, ensuring its place as a major destination for tourists and New Yorkers alike. In 1988 he purchased World Yacht, a fleet of restaurant boats that operated in New York Harbor.

Inspired by his passion for international travel, Karl founded Windstar Sail Cruises in 1984. The company commissioned three 440-foot modern sailing cruise ships with computeroperated sails that offered destinations around the world. At the time of launch they were the largest sailing cruise ships in the world. In 1988 he sold the company to Holland America Line.

Throughout his life, Karl received numerous recognitions, among them the Mayor’s Liberty Award from the City of New York. He also received knighthoods from the French, Swedish, and Finnish governments. Additionally, Karl was a member of many organizations, including the New York Visitors and Convention Bureau, Brunswick School, the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, and the American-Scandinavian Foundation.

A loving family man, Karl is survived by his wife of 53 years, Louise; his children: Patrick Andren (Heather) and Jenafer AndrenKazunas (Todd); his six grandchildren: Wills, Henry, Peter and Niels Andren and Colin and Caitlin Kazunas. Karl enjoyed many hobbies, but his deep passion was reading about history and current affairs.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Greenwich in the early spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Karl’s name to the American-Scandinavian Foundation. For additional information and updates, please visit http://leopgallaghergreenwich.com/