Shipping magnate and philanthropist Sammy Ofer has donated £20m to towards the creation of a major new wing at the National Maritime Museum (NMM), the 'heart' of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site.

Sammy Ofer has strong links with Britain, having served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. The international shipping group which he founded operates a significant part of its fleet from London. Through his continued relations with London and its shipping community, Sammy Ofer has developed a deep appreciation for the maritime traditions of the UK. Confirming his support for the new wing, he said: “I look forward to helping this hugely exciting project and believe it will be a great step forward for the Museum.”

The £35m project will play a key role in driving the Museum’s strategic vision going forward, enabling it to make a quantum leap in illustrating how Britain’s relationship with the sea has fundamentally shaped histories, cultures, economies, and identities across the globe.

The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown said of the donation: "I applaud this opportunity to promote engagement with our maritime past, present and future, which has only been made possible by this unique gift to the nation.”