Page 12: of Marine News Magazine (February 2016)

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INSIGHTS

Arlen “Benny”

Cenac, Jr.

of his involvement with the Coalition to Restore Coastal

Owner & CEO,

Louisiana. Over time, Cenac led the marine industry with many ‘? rsts.’ These include being the ? rst to institute the

Cenac Towing Company

U.S. Coast Guard tank barge self inspection program, and with Coast Guard’s approval, the ? rst to institute its own tankerman training program. As part of Conoco’s Magno- lia project, they were the ? rst company to moor a liquid rlen “Benny” Cenac Jr. is a third-generation owner petroleum barge to a dynamic positioning drilling rig in of Cenac Towing Company. The ? rm, originally the Gulf. Today, Cenac’s maintenance program is built founded in 1927 by his grandfather, now does busi-

A on a strict model of standardization and managed by top ness as Cenac Marine Services. Benny has led the com- rated, experienced in-house technicians. Located in a state pany since 1981 through several industry downturns by of the art facility at mile marker 58 on the intercoastal focusing on customer service, ef? ciency, quality and safety waterway, Cenac Marine Services is a fully self sustain- in its marine transportation services. Cenac Towing has ing entity strategically located to service the Gulf Coast. clients across the country and maintains a focus on trans-

There, Cenac supplies classrooms and crew housing, en- porting liquid petroleum barges. Cenac is guided by the suring that Cenac’s crews have the supplies, training and values and principles established by Benny’s grandfather rest required to arrive at the job site prepared and ready over 85 years ago: a commitment to employee satisfaction to work. With the purchase of Main Iron Works, Cenac and great company morale. As a leader in the community, Marine Services now has the ability to build its own boats

Benny has served on several boards and committees, in- and make all of its own barge and boat repairs. Under cluding Nicholls State University College of Business Ad-

Benny’s guiding hand, Cenac constantly pushes the tow- visory Board, Nicholls State University Foundation and ing industry forward by leveraging new technological ad-

Restore or Retreat. Benny is also a member of Waterways vances, including Z-drive technology. As an avid philan-

Operators, South Central Industrial Association, Bayou thropist in the Gulf Coast region and strong supporter of

Community Foundation and Greater New Orleans Foun- coastal wetland restoration, Cenac is a most appropriate dation. Beyond this, he is also a devoted philanthropist, choice for this month’s INSIGHTS. Listen in as this vet- donating both his time and money to dozens of regional, eran industry leader shares his unique take on the industry national and international causes. He is particularly fond with MarineNews.

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