Peter McEwen, former chair of the UK’s Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund (MNOPF), passed away earlier this week, the pension scheme announced.
He became a trustee director of the pension fund in 1983 and was chair of trustees for 15 years until his retirement in 2014. He was also a trustee of the Merchant Navy & Airline Officers’ Association Supplementary Pension Scheme for 42 years, and was a former chair of MNPA Ltd, MNOPF’s administration company, and the Seafarers’ Hospital Society, along with numerous other roles in organisations related to the merchant navy.
During his time as MNOPF chair, McEwen oversaw several pioneering changes, including the buyout of the Old Section of the pension fund, and the introduction of the innovative delegated chief investment officer operating model.
“He was instrumental in ensuring the fund returned to a sustainable footing following the financial crisis of 2008 and also helped drive through important changes to the welfare services provided to serving and retired seafarers in the UK and abroad,” the fund stated.
Mike Jess, MNOPF’s current chair, said: “Peter’s loss will be deeply felt across the maritime, pensions and charity sectors. He was an inspirational figure, with an unparalleled wealth of knowledge, sure-footed strategic vision and painstaking eye for detail that combined to great effect in steering the fund through challenging times.
“He was passionate and dedicated in his commitment to achieving the best outcomes for our fund and its members, who owe him a considerable debt of gratitude.”
Jess added that McEwen’s “warmth, humour and generosity of spirit enabled him to build close and lasting relationships with many of those lucky enough to have known him”.
“On behalf of the MNOPF, I extend our sincerest condolences to Peter’s family and friends.”
McEwen died peacefully, at the age of 76, at his care home in Bournemouth on 6 September 2025.
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