Weston, CT— The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) recently concluded its 2024 Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM), bringing together maritime leaders for a day of insightful discussions and collaboration. The event opened with a reflection on risk by Joe Hughes, Chairman of NAMEPA and the Shipowners Claims Bureau (The American Club), followed by a keynote address from Rear Admiral Wayne Arguin, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, USCG, who set the tone for discussions on innovation and environmental responsibility in maritime practices. The event was held at the Westin Times Square and involved maritime professionals and students from the New York Habor School.
Conference sessions explored geopolitical forces affecting industry, initiatives to mitigate environmental impacts, and the importance of cultivating a sustainable workforce. The conference culminated with a Leadership Roundtable featuring winners of NAMEPA’s Marine Environment Protection Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to marine stewardship, with winners celebrated for their commitment to advancing environmental practices within the maritime sector.
The panel discussion on the complex geopolitical forces shaping the maritime landscape was moderated by Jan Hagen Andersen of DNV and featured CJ Zane and Joan M. Bondareff of Blank Rome Maritime who delved into the implications of maritime policy across political lines. Cargill’s Jan-Willem van den Dijssel highlighted global threats to shipping and trade and their implications for maritime.
This was followed by a discussion entitled “Forging the Future: Integrating Talent, Resilience, Innovation, and Investment in Maritime,” led by Ole Chr. Schroder of Scoprio Group. Panelists discussed critical topics such as cultivating a sustainable workforce, Pasha Group’s Kai Martin on advancing skills for today’s mariners, alongside transformative strategies for future-proofing maritime infrastructure from Port Houston’s Rich Byrnes. Gareth Burton of ABS outlined Next-Gen Marine Technology options for maritime ending with Dorian LPG’s Peter Hadjipateras demonstrating how they are putting them into action.
The conference portion of the day concluded with a Leadership Roundtable led by ABS’ Roy Bleiberg and featuring Gary Vogel, Port Houston’s Rich Byrnes, T&T’s Mauricio Garrido, San Jacinto’s John Stauffer, and NOAA’s Marian Westley who addressed the significance and growth of partnerships throughout the industry,
The delegates adjourned to NAMEPA’s Annual Marine Environment Awards Dinner, where recognition was given to those companies, organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to protecting the marine environment. The 2024 Award Winners include:
Award winners included:
- Environmental Innovation Award: T&T Salvage for its innovative partnership with QT Environmental in responding to a marine emergency in Tobago.
- Government Award: NOAA’s Tides & Currents Division for providing vital sea level and tide data essential for coastal management.
- Individual Award: Megan O’Leary for her leadership at the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition in driving net-zero emissions initiatives.
- Maritime Academies Award: San Jacinto College for its dedication to equipping students with necessary skills for responsible marine operations.
- Maritime Industry Award: American Bureau of Shipping for promoting environmental responsibility within the maritime sector.
- Sustainability Award: Moran Towing Corporation for prioritizing safety and environmental responsibility.
- Non-Profit Award: New England Aquarium for its commitment to ocean conservation and education.
- Port Award: Port Houston for its innovative solutions in addressing environmental challenges.
- Seafarers Ministry Award: International Seafarers’ Center for its essential support services for the well-being of seafarers.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Gary Vogel for his lasting impact on marine safety and environmental protection.
- Posthumous Award: Angela Chao for her unwavering commitment to excellence in shipping and environmental protection.
In addition, the American Salvage Association (ASA) and NAMEPA 12th Annual Scholarship Competition for High School & Undergraduate Students were awarded to students 1st place winner, Vijay Shivnani and 2nd place winner, Christopher Kuhl, recognizing their outstanding contributions to marine science.
The awards dinner concluded with NAMEPA’s Year in Review, highlighting key achievements and milestones throughout the year. You can check it out here!
For more information about NAMEPA and its initiatives, please visit www.namepa.net
