Marcus Samuel

A Victorian-era entrepreneur who revolutionized global oil trade and co-founded Shell Oil

Marcus Samuel (1853–1927) transformed from a seashell merchant into an energy magnate. His family’s Shell Transport and Trading Company pioneered bulk oil transportation via the Suez Canal. Samuel engineered the first purpose-built oil tanker, Murex, circumventing Standard Oil’s monopoly.

By standardizing kerosene tins for Asian markets and securing Russian oil deals, Samuel reshaped geopolitics. His 1907 merger with Royal Dutch formed Royal Dutch Shell, now a $200B+ conglomerate. Unlike rivals, Samuel prioritized sustainable logistics, reducing spill risks through innovative tank designs.

Samuel’s legacy includes funding London’s public transport and advocating for trade route safety. His story exemplifies how niche businesses can disrupt entrenched industries through technical ingenuity and global vision.