Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Paul Voigt

The shipping world was shocked to learn of the sudden death of Paul Voigt, managing director and co-founder of ISS-Voigt Shipping, the biggest non-liner ship’s agency in South Africa. He was 57. Said Tony Schillaci, his business partner and close friend, “I was with Paul on Sunday (5 August) morning. He was behaving in his normal manner: happy and friendly. Suddenly he collapsed and died after what we believe was a heart attack. “The shipping business and his family were his life. He loved his work, especially the operational side. With his outgoing personality, it did not take him long to turn clients into friends. One of his favourite sayings was, ‘We work for our friends, and we don’t let our friends down’.” Paul started in shipping with Ellerman & Bucknall as a freight desk clerk. In 1989 he established Voigt Shipping with Tony Schillaci, Butch Preston and Robbie Gardner. The business was subsequently sold to Inchcape Shipping Services, and in 2001 was acquired from Inchcape by the Grindrod Group. Said Tony, “Our company has a reputation for service. Paul would have wanted us to continue offering that kind of service, and it is our intention to do so.” Paul is survived by his wife Karin, daughter Nicolle and son Paul.