skip to Main Content

Join us as we explore the role of shipping in this critical time! 

Thank you for joining us for our Safety at Sea Seminar and AMVER & Benkert Awards Reception! We were delighted not only by the turnout but also by the important discussion and level of engagement during our seminar! Your participation and support of NAMEPA allows us to continue to hold our industry events and come together to navigate the road ahead to Save Our Seas!
 
Our next event is our NAMEPA Annual Conference and Marine Environment Protection Awards Program held in New York City. Please plan to join us in person!!
 
In case you may have missed a portion of our seminar, click below to watch.

Agenda

Not since the end of World War II has the role of shipping in geopolitics been so critical.  With it comes human, environmental, and corporate risks.

NAMEPA’s Safety at Sea event explored the role of shipping during today’s period of global disturbance with an eye on impacts to mariners, ships and global trade.  We looked at emerging and future threats to “normal” maritime operations. We heard from the USCG what safety issues are of greatest concern to them, learn the safety properties of fuels being examined to support decarbonization efforts, tools needed to reduce accidents due to the human factor, as well as fires on board ships, and strategies for improving the lives of mariners at sea.

1330: Setting the Stage - Shipping's Risks in a Turbulent World 

Welcome and Opening remarks - Ole Christian Schroder, Director, Environmental Compliance at Scorpio Group

The Role of Shipping and National Security - Dr. Stephen E. Flynn (USCG, Ret.), Founding Director of the Global Resilience Institute, Northeastern University and formerly a Senior Fellow of National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations 

USCG Safety Concerns - RDML Wayne Arguin, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, USCG

Fires and other Casualties Abound - Todd Duke, General Manager of Compliance Services, Resolve Marine Group

Regulations, sanctions, and other operational risks - Matt Thomas, Partner Blank Rome 

Mitigating threats to the supply network - Cynthia Hudson, Founder/CEO, HudsonAnalytix 

1500: Coffee/Tea Break 

1530: Balancing Solutions with Risk - Moderated by Carleen Lyden Walker, CEO and Co-Founder, NAMEPA 

Safety properties of alternative fuels - Captain Richard Delpizzo, USNR (ret), (F) SNAME, U.S. Government Sector, ABS and Member Blue Sky Maritime Coalition

Securing Safety at Sea - Captain Jennifer Williams, Vice President for Maritime Policy, CLIA

Tools for Mariners and Shipowners - Osher Perry, Co-Founder/CEO ShipIn Systems 

Shipping’s Most Valuable Asset - Christina DeSimone, CEO and Founder, Future Care

1650: Closing Remarks - Ole Christian Schroder, Director, Environmental Compliance at Scorpio Group

1700-1730: Awards

1730: Reception

Speakers

Captain Jennifer Williams, Vice President for Maritime Policy, CLIA

Jennifer Williams is Vice President, Maritime Policy at Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in Washington DC, where she develops, presents, negotiates, and implements global industry positions on legislative, regulatory, and policy matters involving ship design, operation and engineering. Prior to joining CLIA in 2020, she served 30 years in the U.S. Coast Guard where she held a variety of operational and staff positions which included Sector Commander Los Angeles/Long Beach where she served as Captain of the Port and Director of Inspections and Compliance in Washington DC, where she oversaw developed and maintained regulatory policy, standards, and program alignment for all prevention activities associated to the safe operation of vessels and facilities. 

 

Captain Richard Delpizzo, USNR (ret), (F) SNAME, U.S. Government Sector, ABS and Member Blue Sky Maritime Coalition

Rich Delpizzo has over 35 years’ experience working in ship design, construction and operations, technical review, regulatory requirements application, and defense acquisition.  At ABS he has worked as Senior Managing Principal Engineer for ABS Naval Engineering; Manager of ABS Government Operations; Manager in ABS LNG Solutions; and ABS Director for International Government Services. He is currently a Director for ABS Global Government and serves as the main point of contact for the Washington DC office and several US Government agenciesHe chairs the SNAME (Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers) Ship’s Machinery Committee and serves on Council, and is a longtime member of SNAME Chesapeake Section, currently serving as its Vice Chair.  He has led ASNE’s (American Society of Naval Engineers) Professional Development Committee since 2015. Rich is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and served in the U.S. Navy Reserve for 28 years. 

 

Carleen L. Walker, Co-Founder and Executive Director, NAMEPA

Carleen Lyden Walker is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of NAMEPA (North American Marine Environment Protection Association) leveraging off her experience as a marketing and communications professional in the commercial maritime industry with over 40 years of experience.  She works to develop strategic alliances between industry, regulators, conservation groups and educators to “Save Our Seas”.  In 2015, Ms. Lyden Walker was appointed an Ambassador by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Ms. Lyden Walker is also Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Marketing & Communications, is Chief Evolution officer of ShippingInsight, founder of CARIBMEPA and the Co-Founder/Executive Director of the Consortium for International Maritime Heritage.

 

Christina Desimone, CEO and Founder, Future Care

Christina DeSimone is an innovator with a proven track record of 40 years in medical case management.

Her company Future Care, An International SOS Company, was borne of the need to provide seafarers with access to high quality medical care, whilst also containing costs for the shipowner.

Christina comes from a family dedicated to the field of rehabilitation. Her father Anthony DeSimone was the founder of DeSimone Rehabilitation Services and her two brothers dedicated the last 10 years as handicapped ski Olympic coaches in the state of Washington.

 

Cynthia Hudson, CEO & Founder, HudsonAnalytix

Cynthia A. Hudson is CEO and founder of HudsonAnalytix, Inc., a global maritime risk consultancy serving the maritime transportation sector, headquartered in the Philadelphia region in the United States, and with offices across the United States and in Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom. She is a forward-thinking leader in the industry, providing leadership on risk management challenges within the maritime transportation sector including cyber security risk management for shipping, ports, and terminals.

In 1986, Ms. Hudson founded what became HudsonAnalytix to provide emergency response, maritime project management, and maritime consulting services to maritime transportation interests; oil and energy, vessel owners/operators and insurers for more than 100 oil and hazardous material response incidents. Ms. Hudson led the firm into maritime security for ports and vessels, providing port vulnerability security assessment work at hundreds of ports and facilities worldwide. In 2016, she expanded the HudsonAnalytix cyber security initiative to design and deliver cybersecurity and cyber risk management solutions to maritime clients and provide cybersecurity expertise to governmental agencies. She has created and spearheaded projects such as CyberLogix and PortLogix, both of which are tools providing tailored cyber threat intelligence to senior port and shipping executives around the world.

Throughout the maritime transportation industry, she is well-known and highly regarded for her work and contributions in her field. In 2016, Ms. Hudson was honored by the Organization of American States (OAS) Inter-American Committee on Ports with the Maritime Award of the Americas: Outstanding Women in the Maritime and Port Sector. Ms. Hudson serves on a number of Industry Boards such as the American Caribbean Maritime Association and the Maritime Academy High School in Philadelphia. She is President of WISTA Delaware River & Bay Chapter and a Director of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA). She has been a speaker, panelist, and moderator at conferences across the globe.

 

Dr. Stephen E. Flynn (USCG, Ret.), Founding Director of the Global Resilience Institute, Northeastern University and formerly a Senior Fellow of National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations

Professor Flynn is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on critical infrastructure and supply chain resilience. He has led teams in conducting post-disaster resilience assessments, with support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and FEMA. Before arriving at Northeastern in 2011, Professor Flynn served as President of the Center for National Policy and spent a decade as a senior fellow for National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. In 2008 he served as the lead homeland security policy adviser for the Presidential Transition Team for President Barack Obama. Dr. Flynn was an active duty commissioned officer in the U.S. Coast Guard for 20 years, including two tours as commanding officer at sea. He is co-author of the textbook, Critical Infrastructures Resilience: Policy and Engineering Principles (2018), and author of The Edge of Disaster: Rebuilding a Resilient Nation (Random House, 2007), and the national bestseller, America the Vulnerable (HarperCollins 2004). In September 2014, he was appointed by Secretary of Homeland Security to serve a member of the Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Council (HSSTAC) and holds a presidential appointment to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Board of Visitors. 

 

Matthew J. Thomas, Partner Blank Rome

Matt Thomas has more than 25 years of experience in international trade, transport and maritime regulation, and government affairs, representing leading energy and commodities companies, shipowners, governments, insurers, investors, ports, shipyards, and marine terminal operators. 

Matt works extensively in the areas of international trade sanctions, export controls, and related anti-money laundering measures. He has represented several global companies targeted for U.S. sanctions, reaching successful resolutions with the Departments of State and Treasury ("OFAC"). He has aided numerous clients around the world on sanctions and export control compliance planning, investigations, and transactional due diligence, with particular focus on the energy, commodities, maritime, transport, and services sectors. Matt has also represented leading carriers, terminals, and logistics providers in regulatory proceedings before the Federal Maritime Commission (“FMC”), where he formerly served as the Assistant General Counsel for International Affairs. He represents marine terminal operators in complex joint venture arrangements and is experienced in global container operators’ merger and integration projects. Matt works with leading maritime and offshore energy clients on a broad range of compliance issues, including environmental, safety, citizenship, and “Jones Act” coastwise compliance. He has represented leading energy companies in key Jones Act rulings and investigations that have shaped domestic petroleum trade, and structured complex Jones Act compliance ownership structures.

 

Ole Christian Schroder, Director, Environmental Compliance at Scorpio Group

Mr. Ole Christian Schroder, Director of Environmental Compliance for Scorpio Group, headquartered New York and Monaco. He presently oversees 200 Modern Eco - friendly Tankers and Bulk vessels, enforcing environmental compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory performance, including managing Scorpio’s Environmental Compliance and Training team. Mr. Schroder previously came from, TORM AS, following its 2007 acquisition of OMI Corporation, where Mr. Schroder reported to OMI’s Board, responsible for implementing a comprehensive and strategic compliance program.

In 2000, Mr. Schroder co-founded as principal and partner, Hudson Marine Management Services, a consulting group specializing in crisis management, emergency response and maritime security. Originally from Oslo, Mr. Schroder has over 35 years of international shipping expertise, dating back to his family history in ship owning, OSCO Shipping, pioneers in the chemical and product trade. Mr. Schroder, a founding member of Intertanko’s Environmental Committee, now the Chairman, is also a Vice Chairman of the board of NAMEPA.

 

Osher Perry, Co-Founder and CEO, ShipIn Systems

Osher Perry is the Co-Founder and CEO of ShipIn Systems, a Boston-based Fleet Vision platform. ShipIn unlocks ship-to-shore collaboration with visual analytics, reducing losses by 40% and increasing productivity by 8%. Osher is a former naval (Lt. Commander) officer who brings significant experience in establishing strategic partnerships and fostering innovation to deliver value creation in operations. Osher holds MBA from Tel Aviv University, and Harvard Business School Executive Education. He is a Commercial Ocean Yachtmaster who has sailed around the world.

 

RDML Wayne Arguin, Assistant Commandment for Prevention Policy, USCG

Rear Admiral Arguin serves as the Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, and is responsible for the development of national policy, standards, and programs promoting Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Stewardship. Three Directorates carry out the mission: Inspections and Compliance, Marine Transportation Systems, and Commercial Regulations and Standards. Programs include waterways management, navigation and boating safety, ports and facilities, merchant mariner credentialing, vessel documentation, marine casualty investigation, commercial vessel inspections, and port state control. 

Prior to his current assignment, Rear Admiral Arguin served as the Director of Inspections and Compliance (CG-5PC) as well as Director of Emerging Policy (DCO-X). His previous operational assignments include Sector Commander, Sector New Orleans from 2016 to 2018.  

 A native of Millington, TN, Rear Admiral Arguin resides in Manassas, VA with his wife, Andrea.

 

Todd Duke, General Manager of Compliance Services, Resolve Marine Group

Todd Duke has been in Maritime Emergency Response services for over 30 years. Starting as a U.S. Navy Damage Controlman, he progressed through the emergency response community first as a professional marine firefighter, then working his way up as a fire officer. Recently he has been the Senior Fire Officer/Salvage Master on recent ship fires such as the Hoegh Xiamen, Zim Kingston, Aleutian Falcon and NYK Delphinus.  Todd has been with Resolve Marine for 23 years.  Along with his firefighting and oil spill response expertise, Todd also leads a variety of salvage and oil spill operations around the world.  Todd helped found the SPRO (OSRO) operation Resolve Marine provides in Shanghai, China and led the startup of 1-Call Alaska, a USCG approved OSRO APC for vessels transiting the Great Circle Route.  As a Native Floridian now residing in Alaska, Todd oversees readiness for Resolve Marine’s OPA-90 SMFF and OSRO programs as the General Manager of Compliance Services. 

Sponsors

ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design, construction and operation. Focused on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with industry and clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.  From its world headquarters in Houston, ABS delivers survey and engineering services and solutions to clients through a network of local representatives working from more than 200 offices in 70 countries.

 

The American Club’s mission is to provide its Members with a broad and financially secure range of P&I and related insurance services which most effectively meet the imperatives of their day-to-day business and which are delivered in an attentive, efficient, courteous and focused manner.

API Profile May 2020

 

Alaska Chadux Network's mission is to provide comprehensive regulatory compliance with federal and state oil spill prevention and response requirements while advancing innovative solutions to the unique challenges of operating in Alaska and the US Arctic region. 

 

The American Salvage Association (ASA) was created as an association of professional salvors in order to provide an identity and assist in professionalizing marine salvage and firefighting response capability. The ASA strives to ensure open communication and cooperation with regulatory authorities that result in prompt, effective response, meeting regularly with various federal and state agencies to exchange views on the improvement of salvage and firefighting response in North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean Sea. The ASA also interfaces with vessel owners and their underwriting interests as well as various public interest groups to facilitate a better understanding of all views and assure a successful and protective response when required in the future. Issues of safety, insurance, increased training, adequate salvage assets, and responder immunity are high on the ASA agenda. The ASA and its members are committed to working together in a cooperative manner.

 

 With more than 600 attorneys serving clients across the globe, Blank Rome represents businesses and organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-up entities around the globe. The Firm’s practices cover areas including business tax; commercial and corporate litigation; employment benefits and labor; financial services; bankruptcy and financial restructuring; government relations; health law; intellectual property; maritime, international trade and procurement; matrimonial; privately held and emerging companies; product liability; public companies and capital formation; public finance; real estate; trusts and estates; and white collar, internal and government investigations. Blank Rome also represents pro bono clients in a wide variety of cases and matters.

 

 For more information, visit www.claymaitland.com/about/

 

Established in 1975, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. CLIA supports policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment and is dedicated to promoting the cruise travel experience. 

 

Dorian LPG is a liquefied petroleum gas shipping company and a leading owner and operator of modern VLGCs.  Dorian LPG currently owns and operates 22 modern VLGCs. Dorian LPG has offices in Connecticut, USA, London, United Kingdom and Athens, Greece.

 

At Fairfield Chemical Carriers we provide our customers with superior chemical tanker services that are creative, proactive and always client focused.  We maintain the highest standards for safety and efficiency with our state-of-the-art, stainless steel fleet that travels to over 450 ports worldwide.  We can carry 600+ grades of cargoes – if you need to move product we can transport it.  We are known for expertly tailoring logistics solutions to our customers’ needs.

Celebrating 25 Years!

 

Future Care, Inc® is a global telemedical service and international provider of medical care management services. Future Care provides a 24/7 Medical Advice First Response program called “Caring for the Crew”® for shipowners, ship managers, and their respective insurance companies. Future Care provides Medical Record, Bill review and auditing services.

 

HudsonAnalytix is a US-based international business risk solutions company providing expertise and support to the world's leading commercial shipping, ports and terminals, oil and gas, finance, insurance, manufacturing, and government sectors. HudsonAnalytix provides risk management solutions to the maritime sector galvanized by more than 30 years’ experience. Our comprehensive services, global insight, and depth of experience enable our clients to meet their regulatory, commercial and operational needs efficiently, effectively, and profitably. 

 

International Seaways' mission is to exceed its customers’ expectations. We know that every stakeholder is a customer. We do this by understanding our customers’ needs, and by understanding our own business and challenging ourselves to constantly seek improvement.  We transport energy safely and efficiently though diligent and environmentally compliant operations of well-maintained assets by well trained and dedicated crews. 

 

Marinakis Chartering was established in 1977 by Markos K. Marinakis an ex-seafarer, with the purpose of representing the Greek shipping community in New York. At the time, all the major grain Houses, as well as most major trading houses were represented in New York and the need of an experienced ship–cargo broker to represent the interests of the world’s largest ship-owning community was required.

Leading Greek Ship-owners and the world’s leading trading houses have trusted Marinakis Chartering to find employment for their ships and cargoes. Throughout our 50 years in operation, Marinakis Chartering Inc. has found employment for major commodities trading houses such as Cargill, Bunge Corporation, Glencore Inc., Sucden and Mitsui OSK Lines. And has worked with a variety of shipping offices like Golden Union S.A., Good Faith Shipping Co. and Ceres Shipping Inc.

Marinakis Chartering specializes in the worldwide carriage, trading, and related logistics of bulk cargoes. Raw materials producers, agricultural traders and exporters, ship owners, charterers, ship brokers, agents, have all relied on our expertise and dependable service for over 50 years.

 

Scorpio Group is a global provider of marine transportation services.  Scorpio Tankers Inc. and ENETI Inc. own product tankers and wind mill installation vessels respectively.  Scorpio Services Holding provides services to Group companies and third parties including pooling and technical management.  Scorpio has its principal offices in Monaco and New York. 

 

ShipIn Systems is the world’s first Visual Fleet Management Platform, unlocking ship-to-shore collaboration for maritime fleets with visual analytics. ShipIn’s platform proactively alerts shipowners, managers, and seafarers to onboard events in real-time, reducing losses by 40% and increasing efficiency by 8%. Learn more at ShipIn.ai.

Read our white paper here.

Subscribe by Email

Want updates on how NAMEPA is protecting marine environments and how you can get involved? Subscribe by email and follow us on social media.

Help #SaveOurSeas

Every donation counts. Your tax-deductible donation will help us protect the marine environment, support the marine industry, and educate communities to Save Our Seas.

Join NAMEPA

Join NAMEPA to help us advocate preserving the marine environment by promoting marine industry best practices.

Back To Top