(NEW CANAAN, Conn.) — Moran Towing Corp. has been awarded the William M. Benkert Marine Environmental Protection Award, a U.S. Coast Guard award that recognizes marine organizations for outstanding achievements in safety and environmental protection. Moran received the Osprey Award, the highest tier of the Benkert Award.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition from the Coast Guard,” said Ted Tregurtha, president and CEO of Moran. “The Osprey Award validates a key element of our company’s strategy – to focus on safe operations that protect our people and the environment. Thank you to our employees, who strive every day for continuous improvement beyond regulatory compliance, and to the Coast Guard, for their partnership in protecting our nation’s marine environment.”
Moran’s application highlighted several important programs from across all segments of the company, including ship docking, petroleum transportation, environmental services, commercial diving and marine construction. These include a program to reduce engine emissions from ship docking tugboats; voluntary certification meeting the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, Worst Case Discharge (WCD) pollution response certification; installation of innovative systems on board vessels to prevent fuel spills; an advanced navigation training program; providing training to government groups in oil spill prevention and response; and the installment of solar panels at company facilities.
The application also highlighted Moran’s commitment to collaboration and engagement with industry, government and community partners, including the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, National Towing Safety Advisory Committee, American Waterways Operators, Spill Control Association of America, American Salvage Association, North Carolina Coastal Federation and Seamen’s Church Institute.
The Benkert Award is a biennial award that goes back to the mid-1990s honoring Rear Adm. Mike Benkert, who is considered the father of the Coast Guard’s Marine Environmental Protection Program. The award has four tiers – Osprey, Gold, Silver and Honorable Mention. The award ceremony will be held by the Coast Guard on National Maritime Day, May 22, in Washington, D.C.
– Moran Towing Corp.
