Seattle Maritime Environmental Business Awards Presented

By Mark Edward Nero

Holland America Line was among the recipients of environmental and community leadership awards given out recently during the 63rd Annual Maritime Festival Luncheon May 15 at the 2014 Seattle Maritime Festival.

The Annual Maritime Festival Luncheon, sponsored by Vigor Industrial, Port of Seattle and the Seattle Propeller Club, is used by the maritime community to showcase individuals and businesses in Puget Sound.

The Marine Environmental Business Awards component of the luncheon spotlights the Pacific Northwest maritime industry’s environmental leadership and commitment to the Port of Seattle’s environmental initiatives.

“We’re pleased to salute Holland America Line for their environmental leadership,” Seattle Port Commission Co-President Courtney Gregoire said during the awards ceremony. “From reducing air pollution and increasing recycling to serving 100 percent sustainable seafood, Holland America Line continues to serve as a tremendous community partner.”

Seattle Maritime Environmental, Leadership Awards Presented

Crowley Maritime Corp. received the award for Comprehensive Environmental Management Programs during the annual Marine Environmental Business Awards May 16 in Seattle, and other local and regional companies and individuals were also honored during the event.

The awards spotlight maritime industry businesses in the Pacific Northwest for their environmental leadership and commitment to and support of Port of Seattle anti-pollution initiatives.

Crowley Maritime was lauded by the awards’ sponsors for the company’s early interest in keeping Puget Sound waters clean as well as its strong culture of environmental stewardship, which began decades ago with a commitment to spill management. The company’s ongoing environmental leadership has been recognized over the years by national and local governments, as well as major ports on the US West Coast.

This year’s award for Environmental Initiatives went to Harley Marine Services for its new energy efficient and environmentally friendly world headquarters, the Harley and Lela Franco Maritime Center. Among other environmental features, the facility is Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, demonstrating the company’s commitment to continual improvement in environmental performance.

The awards were presented at the 62nd Annual Maritime Festival Luncheon during the annual Seattle Maritime Festival, which is sponsored by Vigor Industrial, the Port of Seattle and the Seattle Propeller Club.

The Seattle Propeller Club also presented annual awards recognizing leadership in the maritime community during the luncheon. The winner of the 2013 Puget Sound Maritime Achievement Award was Marine Exchange of Puget Sound Executive Director Capt. John Veentjer, who was recognized for his long and distinguished career.

The Propeller Club’s 2013 Public Official of the Year Award is Capt. John Dwyer, Officer In Charge, Marine Inspection and the Chief of the Inspection Division at US Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound.

The award recognizes the contributions and support of a local, state, or federal policymaker or official who has demonstrated an understanding and appreciation for the maritime industry and those who earn a living from it.

Seattle Port Seeks Environmental Award Nominations

Nominations are being accepted for the 2013 Marine Environmental Business of the Year awards, presented by the Port of Seattle and the Seattle Propeller Club. The port and Propeller Club companies committed to innovative and effective environmental initiatives that support efforts to become a greener and most energy efficient port are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is April 19, with winners set to be announced at the Seattle Maritime Festival Luncheon Thurs., May 16, 2013.

Two awards will be presented:

• Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan – Designed to showcase a wide-ranging, all-inclusive environmental program that is part of the company culture and goes beyond state and federal mandates, and;
• Environmental Initiative – Designed to showcase a specific initiative, process and/or project. The project does not have to be completed to be considered in this category.

Companies eligible to apply must have maritime-related operations in Seattle. Nominated projects must take place in the Puget Sound region.

A committee comprised of industry, community and regulatory representatives will review applications and select the award recipients. Applications are to be rated based on nominees’ sustainable practices, innovation, leadership, commitment, air & water pollution prevention and regulatory compliance.

Additionally, applications will be considered based on successful efforts to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into overall maritime/industrial operations or a specific project or initiative, as applicable; innovation, leadership and/or commitment toward environmental stewardship, especially air and water pollution prevention, with a particular emphasis on benefits to the Puget Sound environment.

Applicants must describe the environmental practices and results achieved in their application form.

Electronic copies of the form are available at http://www.portseattle.org/Cargo/Green-Gateway/Documents/MEBA_2013_Award_App.pdf and can be emailed to polly@marineexchangesea.com. Companies may submit more than one application; however a $50 fee per application applies. Checks must be payable to Seattle Maritime Festival and mailed to: Seattle Propeller Club, Attn: Environmental Award, 100 West Harrison Street, Suite S-560, Seattle, WA 98119.

All applications, supporting material and fees must be received by 5 p.m., Fri., April 19, 2013.

Award recipients will be announced at the 2013 Seattle Maritime Festival Luncheon on Thurs., May 16 aboard the Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess at Pier 66. For more information about the luncheon, visit www.SeattlePropellerClub.org or contact Polly Kirkpatrick at the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound, (206) 443-3830 or polly@marineexchangesea.com