December 2016
More than a dozen Seafarers- contracted companies and numerous SIU-crewed ships and tugs recently were honored by the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) for their respective achievements when it comes to environmental excellence.
The CSA normally hosts two awards ceremonies each year: one in the summer, focusing on accident-free operations, and one in November for environmental safety. This year’s first event took place in June in New Orleans, while the more recent gathering happened Nov. 2 in Washington, D.C.
Kathy J. Metcalf, president of the CSA said, “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 average length of time operating without incident for ships and boats that received environmental awards is 8.1 years. U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Joseph Servidio, deputy commander, Atlantic Area participated in the award ceremony and congratulated the recipients and the industry as a whole for their extraordinary performance.
The Seafarers-contracted companies that were recognized included Alaska Tanker Company, Crescent Towing, Crowley Maritime and subsidiaries, E.N. Bisso & Son, General Dynamics-American Overseas Marine (AMSEA), Harley Marine, Keystone Shipping, Kirby Corp. (Penn Maritime), Matson Navigation, Ocean Shipholdings, OSG Ship Management, Patriot Contract Services, Seabulk Tankers, Seabulk Towing, Tote Maritime Alaska and subsidiary American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier, Pasha Hawaii, and U.S. Shipping Corporation.
According to the organization’s website, the CSA “represents U.S.-based companies that either own, operate or charter oceangoing tank, container, or 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…. The awards are open to all owners and operators of vessels that operate on oceans or inland waterways.”
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