By Mark Edward Nero
The US Coast Guard has bestowed global container carrier APL with a 2013-2014 Rear Admiral Richard E. Bennis Award for Excellence in Maritime Security, it was announced June 12.
The newly-created, bi-annual Bennis Awards aims to encourage organizations to develop a comprehensive culture of security by assessing their overall security programs, seeking creative solutions to address risks, building a system of continuous improvement and sharing best practices that would benefit other organizations.
APL was recognized as ‘Company of the Year’ for its commitment to US security and the marine transportation system, particularly its contributions toward implementation of U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) requirements.
The award categories this year included Company of the Year, Port Authority of the Year and Facility of the Year. APL was the only company with a West Coast presence to receive an award, however Maersk Lines and SSA Marine did receive honorable mentions.
“APL is honored to receive the Bennis Award, as it is a perfect complement to the Osprey Award – the USCG’s highest environmental accolade – which we received in 2012,” APL President Kenneth Glenn said.
In congratulating APL and the other award winners, US Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy Rear Admiral Paul Thomas said the recipients demonstrated best practices in leveraging partnerships, developing business practices and implementing physical security measures that build a culture of security in their organizations.
“We all own the marine transportation system and have a part in securing it,” he said. “We must stay focused on our security systems to guard against complacency and to prepare for emerging threats, including cyber attacks.”
