Sixty-seven Vessels Operated by Foss and Subsidiaries Honored for Environmental Excellence

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 2, 2009 – For 17 years, the Arthur Foss, a tugboat operated by the Foss Maritime Company, has been free of environmental mishap.

So have the Drew Foss and a dozen other Foss vessels. In fact, 67 vessels owned by Foss and three subsidiaries are being recognized by a major maritime organization for their standout environmental safety records. The Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) is honoring the Foss vessels along with vessels from three Foss subsidiaries – Gulf Caribe Maritime, America Cargo Transport, and Constellation Maritime.

Altogether, the Foss vessels feted by CSA have gone a combined 685 years without an environmental incident.

“Safety and concern for the environment are cornerstones of Foss’ corporate culture,†said Gary Faber, the company’s president and COO. “Even in these hard economic times they are at the forefront of our efforts. Our customers deserve nothing less.â€

Foss was honored at a dinner ceremony in Washington, D.C., with the awards presented by the U.S. Coast Guard commandant, Adm. Thad Allen and CSA Chairman Michael Bohlman of Horizon Lines. Capt. Jim Halloran accepted awards on behalf of Foss, and Susan Hayman, Vice President, Environmental and Corporate Development, accepted awards on behalf of Foss’ subsidiaries.

The Chamber of Shipping of America represents 30 U.S. based companies that either own, operate or charter oceangoing tankers, container ships, dry bulk vessels engaged in both the domestic and international trades and companies that maintain a commercial interest in the operation of such oceangoing vessels. Current members include companies that own or operate U.S. flag or foreign-flag ships. A company owning or operating only foreign-flag tonnage must have an office in the United States to qualify for membership.