WorkBoat Environmental AwardS
Congratulations to the 2011 WorkBoat Environmental Award Winners!
Special Judges Recognition Award for Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan
Pacific Whale Foundation
Pacific Whale Foundation's multifaceted Green Practices Program works to: 1) reduce energy usage and the carbon footprint of Pacific Whale Foundation’s ocean ecotours; 2) model responsible wildlife watching; 3) reduce landfill waste and prevent marine debris, 4) test and showcase environmentally sustainable practices that can be utilized throughout the maritime industry. These tours educate more than 300,000 guests about marine conservation each year. All profits support research, education and conservation programs to protect the ocean environment. Programs supported include marine science field trips and lab programs for school children, cetacean research, and Volunteering on Vacation, which links visitors with environmental service opportunities.
Winner for Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan
Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego is a unique port with maritime cargo facilities, a cruise ship terminal, and tenants ranging from large shipyards to hotels, marinas, and restaurants. The Port’s Green Port Program was launched in 2008 as a proactive business strategy to conserve resources, reduce waste, and prevent pollution. Current areas of focus include planning for climate change and sea level rise, and the “Green Business Challenge”- an innovative program that helps Port tenants reduce their environmental impact. The Port also makes ongoing efforts to reduce air emissions through a Clean Truck Program and other Clean Air efforts.
Third Place for Environmental Initiative Award
Southern Towing Company
Southern Towing Company recently retrofitted one of its towboats with a no discharge system while the towboat was in for main engine overhaul. A modification was made to recycle the greywater and other waste water through the toilets and then put the MSD discharge water into the heating units. This recycle process reduces the need to carry extra water for the toilet system and any overboard discharge piping running through other tanks and voids can be eliminated. The retrofit system is working as well as the new construction installations and the company plans to put the same no discharge/recycle system on the remaining seventeen vessels in its fleet. With this system, the owner/operator has taken away the risk of accidental discharges by the crew or equipment failure. It also demonstrates to governmental entities a company’s commitment to be better than required regulatory compliance and to environmental groups and the public an absolute commitment to improving and preserving the waterways environment.
Second Place for Environmental Initiative Award
MetalCraft Marine Incorporated
The Kingston Electric patrol boat utilizes a Steyr hybrid electric diesel engine. The objective was to design a battery pack around the engine requirement that was cost effective and weight sensitive so that the boat could perform all of its functions within its day’s required work plan and save the user and taxpayer enough to make it economically feasible and sensible. The boat’s battery pack cost $2600 and the cost saving per month in fuel is $550 plus a substantial reduction in engine use and wear and basic maintenance. Further the weight of the battery pack had to be factored into the boat’s performance characteristics to verify that the weight penalty of the additional batteries did not affect stability, or other parameters the boat needed for its daily workload.
Winner of Environmental Initiative Award
AEP River Operations
AEP River Operations will capture the industry’s attention with the transformation of M/V Donna Rushing to have the least environmental impact of any towboat on the inland rivers. Its overhaul incorporates the most fuel-efficient, low-emission, energy-saving equipment available, as well as Tier III engines, not widely available until next year. Further, it will be the only towboat in the US equipped with all LED lighting. A team effort at AEP integrating the suggestions of both AEP Mariners and outside agencies, the boat includes many other environmentally friendly features and will influence the choices we make with all future building projects.
Read about all the 2011 nominees here.
Applications were considered based on:
- Successful efforts to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into company/agency’s daily maritime/industrial operations
- Innovation, leadership and/or commitment towards environmental stewardship
- Company is in compliance with local, state and federal environmental regulations and requirements.
*This award is for initiatives that are over and above regulatory compliance
Award recipients received a plaque, recognition in the January issue of WorkBoat magazine, the WorkBoat Show Daily, and publicity on the event and magazine websites, newsletter, and press releases.
Applications for the 2012 WorkBoat Environmental Award will be available in May 2012.
For more information, please contact: Lisa Keller, 207-842-5624, lkeller@divcom.com.