Crowley Vessels Win Environmental Awards
101 Crowley Vessels Honored with Environmental Awards in Recognition of 984 Combined Years of Safe Operations.
More than 100 Crowley Maritime Corporation-owned and -operated vessels were honored with Certificates of Environmental Achievement for years of safe operations during the recent 12th-annual Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) awards ceremony, held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington D.C. Each of Crowley’s honored vessels received the certificates for having worked at least two consecutive years without an environmental incident.
Each year, CSA invites all owners and operators of vessels who work on oceans or inland waterways to nominate their vessels for Environmental Achievement awards. Approximately 1,601 vessels from 42 companies, including Crowley, were recognized this year.
Together, the company’s 101 vessels have logged a combined 984 years of service without incident, a true testament to Crowley’s commitment to keeping harbors and oceans clean. Additionally, 46 of Crowley’s vessels have gone without incident for 10 or more consecutive years. These noteworthy vessels include: Kuparuk River and Kavik River, each with 45 years; and Sag River, 40 years. Crowley has been honored with Environmental Achievement Awards each year since at least 2005.
“Crowley’s No. 1 core value is safety. Not only does that include the safety of our employees, but the safety of the environment,” said Mike Golonka, vice president, government services. "These awards highlight the rigorous work of our crews, who ensure that our vessels continue to operate safely and in an environmentally responsible manner.”
Accepting the awards on behalf of Crowley were Golonka; John Bohn, captain at Crowley’s Marine Transport Lines; Wendy MacDonald, vice president, technical management; Keith Montpas, chief engineer, petroleum services; Jay Debruhl, port captain, petroleum services; Jack Andrews, technical management, and Jarrett Flynn, captain, marine services.
Crowley published a Safety in Towing Handbook two decades before the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, evidence of the company’s long history of environmental protection. This commitment has developed into a strong company culture of environmental stewardship, in which the company focuses on greener technology, more environmentally friendly operations and partnerships that help build a greener planet.
Crowley’s EcoStewardship initiatives have led to special recognition over the years from several government organizations including the U.S. Coast Guard's William Benkert Award for Environmental Excellence, Washington Department of Ecology Exceptional Compliance Program, Pacific States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force Legacy Award and the United States Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Award Designation, among others.