The dissident shareholders putting up alternative candidates for the board of Tui, the indebted Hanover-based travel and shipping group, are seeking to help and not to engage in confrontation, a board candidate has said.

Tor Olav Trøim said Tui was “desperately in need of help” and shareholders should work together to find solutions. The more conciliatory note is a change of tone from last year, when John Fredriksen, Tui’s largest shareholder, and Mr Trøim, his business partner, were seen as confrontational in their campaign for changes.