The US Coast Guard Presented Crowley with its 2000 William M. Benkert Award
(Seattle; June 23, 2000) – The United States Coast Guard this week presented Crowley Marine Services, Inc., with the William M. Benkert Award, the premier national award recognizing excellence in marine environmental protection.
The award was presented by Rear Admiral R.C. North, Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, U.S. Coast Guard, to Tom Crowley, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corporation, during the American Petroleum Institute Tanker Conference in La Jolla, Calif. Charlie Nalen, vice president, Environmental Affairs, Safety & Quality for Crowley Maritime Corporation, was also in attendance to accept the award on behalf of the company.
The Coast Guard said Crowley was selected for the award because as vessel and facilities operators, Crowley had implemented outstanding marine environmental protection programs programs that far exceed mere compliance with industrial and regulatory standards.
“I am pleased and honored to accept this award on behalf of all of our employees around the world,” Crowley said. “The William M. Benkert Award recognizes our employees dedication to excellence in marine environmental protection. Our continuing efforts to provide safe and pollution free marine transportation is important to our customers and the communities in which we do business.”
“Crowley followed a risk assessment approach that specifically targeted critical areas by clearly defining its goals and management practices to achieve a zero pollution goal, North said. “Crowley developed a root cause incident investigation and analysis program to identify correctable problems, and also established clear environmental performance measures as a part of its business plan. These measures are directly tied to its environmental management goals.”
Crowley’s commitment to an effective environmental management system, employee training programs, environmental outreach to communities and partnerships as well as performance measurements were evaluated. The application of the company’s environmental protection programs include all of the Crowley Marine Services Alaska, U.S. West Coast, East Coast and international operations.
Coast Guard evaluation for the award is competitive, and the standards for winning are rigorous and demanding. Four preliminary review boards each chaired by a U.S. Coast Guard Captain, evaluated reports submitted in each of the four categories and recommended recipients. An executive evaluation committee comprised of six members from trade organizations, non-government organizations and other government agencies made the final selection based on input from the four preliminary review boards. The award is named for Rear Admiral William M. Benkert, a Coast Guard officer known for leadership and vision in marine environmental protection.
Crowley Marine Services, with U.S. West Coast operating headquarters in Seattle, and East Coast & International Operating headquarters in Jacksonville, provides specialized marine transportation and logistics services on a worldwide basis, operating one of the worlds largest fleets of marine and related equipment. The companys primary services include tanker escort and ship assist; petroleum transportation and sales; contract barge transportation and ocean towing; logistics and support services; marine salvage and emergency response; and all-terrain transportation. More information on Crowley Maritime Corporation and its subsidiaries can be found on the Internet at www.crowley.com.
# # #