We were deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing last week of former Northport Limited director Benoît Marcenac.

Benoît was a leading light in Zealand’s shipping industry. He began his career with French shipping company Delmas, working both in France and internationally. He relocated to New Zealand with his young family some 25 years ago to lead the well-known Pacific Islands shipping line Sofrana Unilines.

Benoît strengthened and expanded Sofrana’s reputation during his time at its helm. Over nearly two decades he transformed the business into one of the most trusted names in South Pacific trade.

During this time he played a key role, as President of the French New Zealand Business Council (now FNZCCI), in fostering trade between New Zealand and France’s Pacific territories.

Sofrana was sold to the CMA CGM Group in 2017, after which Benoît pursued a range of business ventures and held several governance positions. These included serving on the Northport Limited board in his role as Chair of Marsden Maritime Holdings Ltd.

Colleagues and friends have spoken this week of Benoît’s wit, warmth and his gift for keeping humanity at the heart of even the most challenging boardroom discussions. His presence and good humour will be greatly missed by us here at Northport, and across the industry.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Benoît’s wife Pascaline, his son Paul, and his daughters Coline and Flore.