2009 WorkBoat Environmental Award winners
The WorkBoat Environmental Awards recognize businesses and government agencies operating in the U.S.maritime industry that have successfully incorporated environmentally sustainable practices into their operations.
Congratulations to all of the 2009 winners!
Environmental Initiative Award Winners
FIRST PLACE
Alcatraz Cruises LLC
In March 2009, Alcatraz Cruises began ferrying passengers to Alcatraz and Angel Island in the San Francisco Bay on the Hornblower Hybrid. The revolutionary Hornblower Hybrid uses a combination of energy from solar, wind, grid electric and Tier 2 diesel generators. Unlike conventional ferryboats that burn 30 gallons of fuel per hour, the Hornblower Hybrid burns 5.8 gallons per hour saving 29,000 gallons of fuel per year. By reusing a diving vessel, 735,000 KWh of electricity were also saved in the construction of the hybrid. This environmentally progressive vessel showcases the potential power of alternative energy sources when they are combined with creative engineering solutions.
SECOND PLACE
Foss Maritime Company
The world's first hybrid harbor tug, built, owned and operated by Foss is now operating in San Pedro harbor. Conventional tug engines can be optimized only at a single point: near full power. However, tugs spend the majority of their time at less than 25% power. The hybrid system combines smaller diesel engines with electric propulsion motors and batteries. The boat has the flexibility to operate in direct-diesel, and electric configurations and delivers 5,080 horsepower and over 60 tons of bollard pull. This technology reduces all forms of pollution because it reduces fuel consumption and allows more efficient combustion
THIRD PLACE
McGinnis, Inc.
McGinnis, Inc. made substantial investments constructing their environmentally friendly blast and paint facility in Lawrence County, Ohio. This fully contained facility will stand alone as state of the art for years to come. Using I-beams for track supports reduced the area of impact to the river bottom by 99.5%, dust collectors with a filter rate of 99.9% efficiency, dry paint filters with a control efficiency of 99% for particulate emissions (PE) are a few of the environmental innovations applied during construction. Just another example of the extra lengths McGinnis Inc. will go to pioneer the Inland Marine Industry.
Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan Award Winners
FIRST PLACE
Foss Maritime Company
Foss has set a goal of “Zero Trace” to define our vision of the future and commitment to sustainability as expressed in the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. This goal can only be achieved through a process of continuous improvement and innovation. Foss is in the process of implementing an ISO 14001 environmental management system for both our offices and entire fleet. Foss is seeking ABS certification of this program in February 2010. In 2008, Foss was awarded the U.S. Coast Guard William Benkert gold level for marine environmental protection.
SECOND PLACE
Crowley Maritime Corporation
Crowley has a long history of environmental protection. A Crowley Safety in Towing Handbook published in 1970, twenty years before the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, contains operational procedures to prevent spills that many years later became law.This early interest in keeping our harbors and oceans clean has developed into a strong company culture of environmental stewardship. Recent examples of Crowley’s certification to the international standard ISO 14001 Environmental Management System; certification of the Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) 650-3 by Lloyds Register Group under its Green Passport program; and special recognition by several prestigious governmental organizations of Crowley’s environmental stewardship—including the Chamber of Shipping of America, the U.S. Coast Guard’s William Benkert award for environmental excellence, Washington Department of Ecology Exceptional Compliance Program, and the Pacific States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force Legacy Award.
THIRD PLACE
Harley Marine Services, Inc.
In additional to exceeding compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations and requirements, Harley Marine Services continues to lead the way with the following innovative and environmentally responsible programs: company-wide ISO 14001 standardization; ABS SQE certification for all offices and manned vessels; annually updated environmental objectives & targets for tugboats, barges, shops and offices; energy management plan to reduce fuel consumption; hazardous material reduction; company-wide recycling; harbor tug fleet conversion to eco-tugs using ultra low emissions technology; and HMS’ own patented self-contained Vapor Recovery Unit used during petroleum loading operations to reduce hydrocarbon emissions from oil and tank barges.