Chang Yung-fa , the billionaire founder of global shipper Evergreen Marine died today, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency, citing a company announcement. The cause of death wasn’t given.
Born in 1927, Chang entered the shipping business at age 14 when he worked in Miname Nippon Steamship's office in the city of Keelung in northern Taiwan while he attended night classes in vocational school in Taipei.
Evergreen Marine today is one of the world's largest shipping companies with more than 160 container vessels. Chang and his family also control EVA Airways and Evergreen International Storage and Transport. Evergreen's hotel chain has approximately 2,000 rooms in Taipei, Paris, Bangkok and other cities. He ranked No. 17 on the 2015 Forbes Taiwan Rich List with wealth of $1.6 billion. Sons have assumed oversight of key businesses as Chang has aged.
Chang's Evergreen Maritime Museum boasts 4,500 maritime objects in a convenient spot across from Taiwan's presidential office in downtown Taipei.
Chang reportedly has planned to donate his fortune to charities.
--Follow me on Twitter @rflannerychina
