Weston, CT— The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is proud to announce the winners of its prestigious 2024 Marine Environment Protection Awards, recognizing exemplary contributions to marine environmental stewardship. The awards will be presented on October 24th at NAMEPA’s Awards Dinner at The Westin at Times Square in New York City, held in conjunction with our Annual Conference earlier in the day.
The 2024 Award Winners include:
• Environmental Innovation Award to T&T Salvage for its innovative partnership with QT Environmental, which ensured a rapid response to a marine emergency in Tobago.
• Government (Federal, State, or Local Agency) Award to NOAA’s Tides & Currents Division for its essential role in providing critical sea level and tide data, which supports effective coastal management and resilience strategies for communities facing environmental challenges.• Individual Award to Megan O’Leary for her exceptional leadership at the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, where she drives initiatives to achieve net-zero emissions in the maritime sector.
• Maritime Academies Award to San Jacinto College for its commitment to maritime education, equipping students with the skills necessary for responsible marine operations and environmental compliance.
• Maritime Industry Award to the American Bureau of Shipping for its leadership in promoting environmental responsibility within the maritime industry.
• Sustainability Award to Moran Towing Corporation for its strong commitment to environmental responsibility and safety. The company prioritizes safe operations to prevent accidents and protect marine environments.
• Non-Profit Award to the New England Aquarium for its exceptional commitment to ocean conservation and education, engaging 1.3 million visitors annually and creating awareness of critical marine issues.
• Port Award to Port Houston for its leadership in addressing significant environmental challenges through innovative solutions and collaborative stakeholder engagement.
• Seafarers Ministry Award to International Seafarers’ Center for its essential support services dedicated to the rights and well-being of seafarers in the maritime industry. This commitment not only protects the lives of seafarers but also enhances the overall safety of maritime operations, ultimately benefiting marine ecosystems and the environment.
• Lifetime Achievement Award to Gary Vogel for his significant contributions to marine safety and environmental protection, leaving a lasting impact on the maritime sector.
• Posthumous Award to Angela Chou, who is remembered for her steadfast commitment to excellence in shipping and her belief that the environment was something that should not only be celebrated but also protected.“We are excited to honor this year’s award recipients, who exemplify leadership in maritime best practices and a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship,” stated Carleen Lyden Walker, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NAMEPA. “Their collective efforts not only enhance the health of our oceans but also set a benchmark for innovation and sustainability in the maritime industry. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and fostering a greater dialogue on how we can all work together to preserve our precious marine resources.”
Submissions for the Marine Environment Protection Awards were reviewed by a committee consisting of NAMEPA Board of Directors on the following objectives:
• Alignment with NAMEPA goals to Save Our Seas
• Educational benefits
• Environmental benefits
• Innovation
• Measurable success (objectives/targets) in improving protection of the marine environment
For those interested in attending the awards ceremony, registration is now open, and table sponsorship opportunities are available. Join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements of these leaders in maritime innovation and environmental stewardship!
For more information about NAMEPA and its initiatives, please visit www.namepa.net
