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 Festival Award Winners Named

Capt. Chris Woodley of the US Coast Guard was among those honored during the annual Seattle Maritime Festival Awards Luncheon recently, where he received the Puget Sound Maritime Achievement Award for his years of service at Sector Puget Sound, where he was instrumental in creating new standards of vessel safety for fishing boats working the Alaska market.

Also during the event, Port Commission President Gael Tarleton was awarded the Maritime Industry Public Official of the Year award, and the Port of Seattle’s Marine Maintenance department was announced as the winner of the environmental initiatives award for finding alternative methods for cleaning docks without disturbing water or marine life on port property, in efforts to clean and capture water and sediment.

Container transport company APL was named the comprehensive environmental management programs awardee for accomplishments that include developing and implementing a corporate wide 30 percent carbon reduction strategy.