NAMEPA’s Annual Conference Brings Industry Experts Together To Explore Shipping’s Vision for the Future

November 2, 2021: The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) held its Annual Conference and Marine Environment Protection Awards Program virtually on October 28^th, 2021. Industry professionals joined the conference to explore shipping’s vision for the future. Leaders included RADM John W. Mauger, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy for USCG, Jeanne Grasso, Partner, Blank Rome LLP, Congressman Jim Himes, and Dr. Karen Purnell, Managing Director at ITOPF Limited.

“NAMEPA annually demonstrates its value to the industry by hosting topics which provide direction to the industry, as well as recognize the extraordinary efforts of companies and institutions who Save Our Seas” stated NAMEPA Chairman Joe Hughes.

The Vision for the Future panel discussion moderated by Jonathan Burke, Commercial Manager, Resolve Marine, set the stage for the discussion. Jeanne Grasso, Partner at Blank Rome LLP, underscored the use of ESG programs. ESG reports include measures such as energy efficiency, the elimination of single-use plastics, but most importantly, the health, safety and working conditions for seafarers.

Longji Yiljep, Senior Corporate Development Analyst at Dorian LPG, presented their plans for future fleets. These plans include adopting new vessel designs, prop efficiencies which can reduce friction of the hull and time scheduling to reduce consumption leading to lower emissions and cost.

The Leadership Roundtable was moderated by Jan Hagen Anderson, Business Development Director, DNV Maritime, and included winners of the Marine Environment Protection Awards. The group had a lively discussion about the intersection of oil spills, environmental regulations and technologies, and the need for attracting quality crews.

Regarding future environmental technologies, Andrew Marshall, CEO of Ecochlor, LLC, stated that, “…there’s a lesson to be learned…if we give the right incentives, if we provide the right environment, shipowners will adopt environmental technologies, they want to become greener…”. He continued to praise Dorian’s commitment to this end, presented by Longji Yiljep. Further, Andrew gave us hope for the future, “…if we can encourage more shipowners to be like Dorian then we will be in a good place.” Lastly, to meet this end, he called for leadership, direction, funding, timelines and compliance enforcement.

The conference was followed by NAMEPA’s Marine Environment Protection (MEP) Awards Program, which recognizes the achievements of industry leaders, companies, organizations and government agencies in their efforts to “Save Our Seas.” The MEP Awards for 2021 included Congressman Jim Himes who received the Government Marine Environment Protection Award. Congressman Himes has a hands-on approach when it comes to environmental protection through providing funding for wildlife and marine preserves. Dorian LPG was presented with the Maritime Industry Award for their contribution to safe and reliable transportation with their 19 new fuel-efficient gas carriers. The Port Award was presented to the Port of Virginia for their continuous effort to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and commitment to offshore wind farms. New England Seafarers received the Seafarers Ministry Award for their Covid-19 vaccination program for mariners. The Non-Profit Award went to the North American Association for Environmental Education whose mission is to accelerate environmental literacy and civic engagement to create a more sustainable future. Oceanic was presented with the Environment Protectors Award for their sustainable business practices, especially their program to reduce single use plastic. The Individual Award was presented to Dr. Karen Purnell, Directing Manager at ITOPF, for her work to improve our seas by ensuring that we are well-prepared for any potential oil spills. Ecochlor was presented with the Environmental Innovation Award for their commitment to saving coastal ecosystems. Recently launched, their filter less EcoOne BWMS not only eliminates the spread of invasive species, but also reduces green house gas emissions.

Congratulations to all the Marine Environment Protection Award Winners!

Media contact:  Carleen Lyden Walker  c.walker@morganmarketcomm.com

The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a marine industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake and river resources. Visit us at: www.namepa.net

Photo:  Congressman Jim Himes