South African Association of Ship Operators and Agents (Saasoa) CEO, Peter Besnard, has been inducted into the South African Shipping Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the country’s most decorated and influential shipping professionals.
The honour, conferred on Besnard by his peers at the annual South African Shipping Gala dinner last week, recognises a lifetime career spanning decades. A letter from the South African Shipping Gala Founding Committee, informing him of the induction, praised him for his impact on the national sector.
The committee said in the letter that it had been a unanimous decision, noting Besnard’s “unwavering commitment to the sector, marked by decades of transformative leadership and dedication”. It said he had set a “benchmark for excellence” within the maritime community.
“It is with immense pride that we confirm his elevation as an inductee to the Maritime Hall of Fame, recognising a truly distinguished and unparalleled career,” the letter says.
Besnard was last year recognised as an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Shipbrokers (ICS).
“There is no doubt that being recognised with an Honorary Fellowship from the Chartered Institute of Ship Brokers and now being inducted into the Maritime Hall of Fame is very special to me,” Besnard told Freight News.
When asked about the significance of the latest honour, Besnard said: “It is the cherry on the top of a long and enjoyable shipping career that I would repeat, and I’m so thankful to everyone who made it possible.”
He said he had always given his full effort to every task and had been deeply committed to carrying out his role with passion and professionalism.
Looking ahead, Besnard is clear-sighted about the country’s major maritime challenges, emphasising the urgent need for economic growth. “In my humble opinion, we must grow the economy to overcome the growing unemployment rate.”
He pointed to substantial local opportunities that are currently being missed. “We firmly believe that we have the technology to build much of the port equipment that we are purchasing, but time and the circumstances that have prevailed continue to stymie these opportunities,” Besnard said.
He offered a message to the next generation of professionals he has mentored. “It’s a long but rewarding road for those who see the journey in the shipping and maritime industry as their chosen career. If the call presents itself, embrace the opportunity, be passionate and conscientious in every role that comes your way, and remember that shipping is a 24/7, 365-day-per-year occupation.”
Besnard said that if he could change one thing, he would want to see South Africa reclaim its position as the maritime leader of the African continent – a goal he hopes will one day be fully realised.
