Hans Westfal-Larsen

Hans Peter Westfal-Larsen was founder of Westfal-Larsen, a group of shipping companies based in Bergen, Norway.

Biography

Hans Westfal-Larsen was born in Bergen, Norway. He was the son of Hans Peter Larsen and Hansine Benedicte Fredriksen. In 1889, he started as a clerk in the Bergen-based shipping company Rasmus F. Olsen Shipping. He eventually became a co-owner of part of the company and in 1905, he first purchased a steamship. He established the limited company Westfal-Larsen & Co. A/S in 1918 as a consolidation of several unlimited partnerships.
In 1926, Westfal-Larsen started liner shipping to South America and in 1930 he established the Interocean Line which sailed between Europe and the Pacific.

Personal life

He was married to Anna Fredrikke Hansen. They were the parents of two children. He was appointed a knight of the Order of St. Olav in 1928 and was commander of the Order of the Dannebrog. He was founder of the H. Westfal-Larsen and wife Anna Westfal-Larsen foundation.
He died during 1936 in Helsingør, Denmark.