New York, NY — The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is pleased to announce that submissions are now open for its 2025 Marine Environment Protection (MEP) Awards, to be presented on October 30th, 2025 at NAMEPA’s Annual Conference and Awards Dinner being held at SUNY Maritime College in Throgs Neck, The Bronx.
Following NAMEPA’s Annual Conference, Powering Progress: Maritime at the Crossroads of Innovation and Impact, afternoon conference, NAMEPA will host its Annual Marine Environment Protection Awards (MEP Awards) Dinner. This event honors the achievements of industry leaders, companies, organizations, and government agencies in their efforts to “Save Our Seas.”
The MEP Awards recognize individuals and organizations for innovative and extraordinary efforts to preserve the marine environment, exemplified by commitments to programs with clear, measurable environmental objectives and performance improvements.
Submissions are now being accepted in the following award categories:
- Environmental Innovation
- Government (Federal, State, or Local Agency)
- Individual
- Maritime Academies
- Maritime Industry
- Non-Profit
- Port
- Seafarers Ministry
- Sustainability
To submit a nominee for one of NAMEPA’s nine awards, please visit MEP Awards.
Last year’s 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.
“NAMEPA is proud to recognize and honor those who are demonstrating true leadership in environmental stewardship and innovation,” said Carleen Lyden Walker, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NAMEPA.
NAMEPA’s 2025 Annual Conference and Awards Dinner will serve as more than an industry gathering; it will provide a forum for maritime leaders, innovators, students, and educators, to advance a resilient future for global shipping and ocean stewardship. With the participation of the next generation of maritime professionals—students and cadets from SUNY Maritime College and other regional maritime institutions—the event will emphasize the critical importance of knowledge transfer, mentorship, and fostering a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible leadership at all levels of the maritime industry.
