Vale Benoît Marcenac

DCN is sad to report the sudden passing earlier this week of Benoît Marcenac.

We quote from information circulated by James Dawson, Seaway Agencies’ NZ country manager, on behalf of the executive committee of Shipping New Zealand:

“Benoît was a stalwart of the New Zealand shipping industry. Born in France and spending his early career as an executive with French shipping giants Delmas both in France and on overseas postings, Benoît emigrated with his young family to NZ at the turn of the millennium to head iconic Pacific Islands carrier Sofrana Unilines. He did so as Managing Director and part-owner for nearly twenty years, consolidating and growing the Sofrana brand into one of the most respected in the South Pacific.

“While he did become a NZ citizen, Benoît remained proudly French and enthusiastically promoted Sofrana’s French heritage with annual Bastille Day and Beaujolais Nouveau wine release celebrations, spending a number of years as President of the French New Zealand Business Council (now known as the FNZCCI) and working tirelessly to facilitate and grow trade between NZ and France’s Pacific territories.

“Following the sale of Sofrana to the CMA CGM Group in 2017, Benoît pursued a number of diverse business interests and took on a series of directorships including time spent as the Chair of Marsden Maritime Holdings Ltd.

“Known for his mischievous sense of humour, cheeky smile and infectious laugh, Benoît was a true “bon vivant” who will be sorely missed by all who knew him in the industry.

“Benoît is survived by his wife Pascaline, his son Paul, and his daughters Coline and Flore. Our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time following their sudden loss.

“Funeral arrangements will be circulated once they are released by the family.”

This writer (Dale Crisp) enjoyed several exchanges with Benoît over the years and enjoyed his frankness, deep knowledge of the South Pacific trades, and ability to ‘always look on the bright side of life’’.

Another great character of the industry who will be widely missed.