(HOUSTON) — The Greater Houston Port Bureau has named Shell Oil as the 2018 Maritime Company of the Year. It will be honored at the Port Bureau’s Annual Maritime Dinner on Aug. 18. The Port Bureau board of directors named Shell as the 2018 honoree because of Shell’s exceptional record of support of the Houston maritime community for nearly a century, and more particularly, its drive toward improving shipping in the Port of Houston and globally.
Since 1929, when Shell Oil became the first manufacturer to call Deer Park home, Shell has paved the way for economic prosperity along the Houston Ship Channel. The port efficiency projects, underway in Port Bureau board member Capt. Tim Downs’ shipping and maritime team, demonstrate Shell’s commitment to being a leader in data-informed shipping. Supporting education by helping develop San Jacinto College’s Center for Petrochemical, Energy and Technology, introducing the Shell Leadership Weekend for students at Texas A&M Galveston, supporting the environment and community through sponsorship for Bike Around the Bay, and championing Shell’s Rise & Rebuild campaign in support of Hurricane Harvey recovery are only a few examples showing how Shell is an integral part of the community.
“Shell’s dedication to the wider community, education, and planning for the future make Shell a community leader we are excited to celebrate,” said Vinny Pilegge, chairman of the Greater Houston Port Bureau and president of Manchester Terminal.
Proceeds from the Annual Maritime Dinner support in part the Port Bureau’s regional maritime advocacy efforts. Current Queen of the Fleet table sponsors are Enterprise Products Partners L.P., ExxonMobil, Kirby Corp., Port Houston, and Shell Oil. Table and sponsorship opportunities are available. More information is available online at www.txgulf.org/annual-dinner.