ABS’ Chris Wiernicki
Carnival, Crowley, ABS’ Chis Wiernicki and Wasteline Solutions Being Recognized
New York, NY — September 15th:— The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Marine Environment Protection (MEP) Awards, honoring individuals and organizations that are advancing maritime sustainability through leadership, innovation, and dedicated service.
For nearly two decades, NAMEPA’s MEP Awards have recognized model individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting the marine environment. This year’s winners represent a diverse group of leaders—bridging industry, education, ports, non-profits, and individuals—whose efforts are shaping a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable maritime future.
2025 Marine Environment Protection Award Recipients
- Environmental Innovation Award: Wasteline Solutions
Recognized for pioneering waste management solutions that reduce waste and enhance sustainability practices within ports and shipyards. - Maritime Industry Award: Crowley
Recognized for its modernization initiatives, including research in alternative fuels, resilient strategies, and industry collaboration. - Sustainability Award: Carnival Corporation and Resolve Marine
Jointly awarded for their complementary sustainability initiatives—Carnival for advancing environmental technologies in passenger shipping and Resolve for its leadership in emergency response and marine environmental services. - Port Award: Port of Corpus Christi
Recognized for major environmental infrastructure projects, emissions reductions, and leadership in balancing growth with marine protection. - Lifetime Achievement Award: Chris Wiernicki, ABS
Honored for his distinguished career advancing maritime innovation, safety, and modernization, shaping the industry’s approach to long-term resilience. - Individual Award: Jeffrey Lantz, USCG (Ret.)
Honored for his lifelong dedication to maritime safety and environmental protection, setting global standards that strengthen the industry’s environmental stewardship. - Workforce Development Award: Captain Aaron Singh, New York Harbor School
Awarded for his leadership in cultivating the next generation of seafarers, advancing training programs that prepare mariners to operate safely and sustainably. - Maritime Academies, Harbor Schools, Universities Award: Maine Maritime Academy
Celebrated for integrating environmental responsibility into maritime education and preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly changing, sustainability-focused industry. - Non-Profit Environmental Award: National Marine Educators Association (NMEA)
Honored for its impact in raising ocean literacy and empowering educators, students, and communities to protect the marine environment. - Seafarers Award: North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA)
Celebrated for its firm support of seafarers and their families, ensuring well-being while promoting safe shipping. - Posthumous Award: Jim Lawrence, MTI Network
Recognized for his lasting legacy in maritime communications and advocacy, ensuring the industry’s environmental voice was heard worldwide.
“These organizations and individuals demonstrate the extensiveness of commitment across the maritime sector—from global corporations and ports to educators and individual leaders,” said Carleen Lyden Walker, CEO and Co-Founder of NAMEPA. “Together, they are setting the course for a sustainable future while upholding the highest standards of environmental protection.”
The awardees will be celebrated at NAMEPA’s Annual Conference & Awards Dinner on October 30, 2025, hosted at SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx, NY. The event will bring together maritime executives, industry stakeholders, educators, and students to collaborate on the industry’s most pressing sustainability challenges.
For more information on NAMEPA and the 2025 MEP Awards, visit https://namepa.net/2025-annual-conference-and-awards/
