Full Ahead Both: A Life of Ships, Spies, and Seaports

"I certainly didn't expect maritime life to entail spies, minefields, and a cat with a war medal. Even as a weathered seafarer with water in his blood, no day was like the last. Our tomorrows, no matter if a carefree dream or well-planned, will always be a mystery. Change is the only constant; the key is to harness it and create life opportunities that make a difference."

Full Ahead Both: A Life of Ships, Spies, and Seaports is the epic true story of one man's life on and around the sea. Captain John E. Meredith CBE had a brilliant maritime career before becoming "the father of global ports development", having founded a company that transformed the ports industry and built the world's largest container port.

His is a story that spans the globe: meeting kings and queens - including Queen Elizabeth II - and tribal leaders; drinking vodka with Russian spies; dancing on cruise liners; getting left behind on a life raft; and all the while being blessed with a wonderful and supportive family.

From his first taste of the salty sea air as a child fleeing a war-torn country to a vibrant and adventurous seafaring career that led to his becoming a pioneer of the modern shipping industry, Captain John E Meredith's life is a swashbuckling adventure that inspires and excites - a life filled with seemingly insurmountable challenges, myriad roadblocks, confusing intersections, exhilarating victories, and a rich tapestry of unforgettable people and experiences: from greenhorn cruise ship cadet to the last living Master & Commander.

Full ahead both.

About the Author

Born in the United Kingdom, Captain John E. Meredith began his ship and shore career with a 10-year course of education and practical training, spent towards obtaining his qualifications as a Master Mariner. His sea-going career, spanning a total of 18 years, included regular calls to Hong Kong, during which time he developed a deep and abiding interest in Asia. He served on every class of vessel from general cargo to modern cruise liners, oil tankers and troopships .

Dr. Meredith was until recently Deputy Chairman of Hutchison Port Holdings Limited (HPH), the world's largest port holding company with 56 ports in 27 countries, which he founded in Hong Kong in 1972.

He has received numerous awards for his services to the international maritime industry as a pioneer in containerisation. In 2011, he was made Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. In January 2014, he relocated residence to the Republic of Panama and is currently the chairman of a private family company JEM Capital Group Inc. He is married to Mrs. Liliana Meredith and the family have had a home in Casco Antiguo, Panama for 15 years.