Seafarers-Contracted Companies Garner Environmental Awards
January 2012
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SIU-contracted companies once again were honored by the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) during the association’s most recent annual environmental awards ceremony.
As was the case the previous year, more than 20 Seafarers-contracted organizations won safety awards that were presented Nov. 17 in Washington, D.C. They were recognized for prolonged operations (at least two years) without having a mariner involved in a lost-time injury. (The average number of years operating without incident for vessels honored is nearly seven, according to the CSA.)
U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Brian Salerno, the agency’s deputy commandant for operations, award ceremony and congratulated honorees for the great work performed by the industry.
Michael Bohlman, Horizon Lines company security officer and chairman of CSA, said, “The great record evidenced by the ships and vessels is due to the dedication of the seafarers working on board and the support of shore operating personnel.”
Joseph J. Cox, president of CSA, stated, “These awards celebrate the dedication to environmental excellence of our seafarers and the company personnel shore-side who operate our vessels to the highest standards. In today’s world, it seems our industry only gets front-page news when spills or other environmental problems occur. It is encouraging to see how many vessels go for years achieving environmental excellence. It should be clear to the American public that we in the maritime industry take our stewardship of the marine environment very seriously.”
According to the CSA, the awards are open to all owners and operators of vessels that operate on oceans or inland waterways.
Among the companies honored in November were Alaska Tanker Company, Crowley Liner Services, Crowley Marine Services, Crowley Maritime Corporation, Crowley Petroleum Services, Crowley Puerto Rico Services, Crowley Technical Management, E.N. Bisso & Son, Farrell Lines, American Overseas Marine, Horizon Lines and Interocean American Shipping. Also earning safety awards were Keystone Shipping, Maersk Line, Limited, Marine Transport Lines, Moran Towing, Ocean Shipholdings, OSG Ship Management, Pasha Shipping Group, Sea Star Line, Seabulk Tankers, Totem Ocean Trailer Express, and USS Vessel Management.
The Chamber of Shipping of America represents 36 U.S.-based companies “that either own, operate or charter oceangoing tankers, container ships, dry bulk vessels engaged in both the domestic and international trades and companies that maintain a commercial interest in the operation of such oceangoing vessels.”
In its mission statement, the CSA says it exists in part to help “provide the voice of the U.S. maritime industry in promoting sound public policy through legislative and regulatory initiatives that include marine safety, maritime security and environmentally protective operating principles.”
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