Moran Towing Corporation 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 shipdocking, petroleum transportation, environmental services, commercial diving, and marine construction. These include a program to reduce engine emissions from shipdocking tugboats; voluntary certification meeting the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, Worst Case Discharge (WCD) pollution response certification; installation of innovative systems onboard 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-1990’s honoring Rear Admiral 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 Corporation is a 160-year-old marine services organization headquartered in New Canaan, CT. Starting as a tugboat company in New York, NY, the company has evolved into a modern-day marine transportation company, becoming a premier provider of harbor and ship assist services, liquid and dry bulk cargo transport, environmental services, and commercial diving and marine construction. The company employs over 1,800 full-time employees at more than 50 locations across North America.
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