NAMEPA Launches First Holistic CSR Program Designed for the Maritime Industry

Annual Conference and Awards Dinner Recognizes Leaders

October 31, 2018 – Last week, NAMEPA (North American Marine Environment Protection Association) launched the first known comprehensive CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) designed expressly for the maritime industry. The program encompasses the three pillars of CSR:  corporate governance, environment and the human element.  The launch occurred at the Annual NAMEPA Conference and Awards Dinner.  The day was attended by over 120 marine industry professionals, conservationists, educators, journalists and students, representing the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and beyond.

The event marked NAMEPA’s eleventh year of educating the public on environmental stewardship while furthering the maritime industry’s commitment to protecting the environment.

The maritime industry is changing at an unprecedented rate, with societal demands driving regulatory requirements driving technological change. With an operating climate that is increasingly transparent, industry needs to match that transparency and demonstrate its commitment to core values contained in the CSR program.  The program contains a set of guidelines plus a toolkit for achieving them.  Completion of the program results in the issuance of NAMEPA’s Sustainable Passport for Maritime, which is renewed annually. 

The conference entitled “The New CSR: Ethical, Strategic, Sustainable” focused on how Corporate Social Responsibility can benefit companies and the industry at large. The conference was led by Ole Schroder of Scorpio Group and Vice-Chairman of NAMEPA. Key speakers included RADM John Nadeau of the US Coast Guard who shared the merits of the USCG Maritime Commerce Strategic Outlook, Donald Roussel of Transport Canada, Maher Nasser of the United Nations, and Cargill’s Jan-Willem van den Dijssel, who shared expectations and strategies for meeting the myriad of demands in today’s maritime environment. The discussions hit topics such as shipping’s responsibility to mariner health, how to comply with SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and why they are crucial in this changing industry, and how corporate social responsibility benefits operations. The character of the industry was evident through the enthusiasm and dedication of the speakers and attendees onboard the Hornblower Infinity at Pier 40 in New York City.

The conference concluded with a leadership roundtable discussion featuring a diverse panel of winners of NAMEPA’s 2018 Marine Environment Protection Awards. Representatives included Dr. Pinnock from the Caribbean Maritime University, Jeff Benoit of Restore America’s Estuaries, and Valerie Cannon of Total Marine Solution’s Ocean Guardian. Each winning delegate shared valuable expertise on how the maritime industry, the marine environment, sound policy, and education play a role in evolving the industry.

Following the conference was NAMEPA’s Awards Dinner. This ceremony awarded the winners of the 2018 Marine Environment Protection Awards and Kyle Bramblett, the winning high school student of NAMEPA and American Salvage Association’s Awards Competition for Marine Science Projects. NAMEPA also had the opportunity to share 2018 accomplishments in its education and stewardship initiatives.

NAMEPA, whose vision is rooted in the desire to facilitate a trend of cohesiveness and sustainability in shipping is delighted by the participation of all attendees. The future of NAMEPA’s vision to Save Our Seas is possible with the continuing contribution and dedication of each of its members and supporters.

To view all photos from the event, please visit the event’s Facebook album or the NAMEPA events website.

Media inquiries: 

Carleen Lyden Walker 

+203 255 4686 

executivedirector@namepa.net