October 1 is Deadline to Apply for 5th Annual WorkBoat Environmental Awards Which Recognize the Maritime Industry's Environmental Stewardship; Award Sponsored by Workboat Magazine

    NEW ORLEANS, LA, September 26, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Fifth Annual WorkBoat Environmental Awards, which annually recognizes the marine industry's commitment to environmental stewardship, is now accepting nominations from businesses and government agencies operating in the United States maritime industry. The application deadline is Monday, October 1, 2012. Details and the application are available at www.WorkBoat.com.

"The Awards are an outstanding way to showcase leading maritime businesses and government agencies and the incredible variety of innovative environmental practices in the industry," said Bruce Buls, technical editor, WorkBoat magazine, which presents the awards.

The 2012 awards will be presented during the 33rd International WorkBoat Show, North America's largest maritime trade show and conference, which will be held at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, from December 5-7.

This year, the WorkBoat Environmental Awards will be presented in two categories:

1. Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan - designed to showcase a wide-ranging, all -inclusive environmental program that is part of the company-wide culture and goes well beyond State and Federal mandates.

2. Environmental Initiative - designed to showcase a one-time specific initiative, process and/or project that has a beginning and an end, and goes well beyond State and Federal mandates. For example: replacement program for tugboat engines, new green building, oil/water separator technology, new environmentally friendly painting process at a shipyard, shore power for a cruise ship, recycling fishing nets, etc. (The project does not have to be completed to submit for consideration)

The WorkBoat Environmental Award is for initiatives that are over and above regulatory compliance. Companies may submit one application per category and there is a $50 application fee for each application.

To be eligible for the awards, businesses and government agencies must be operating in the U.S. maritime market. A committee comprised of industry, environmental, regulatory and media representatives will review applications and select the award recipients based on the following criteria:

1) Successful efforts to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into company/agency's daily maritime/industrial operations;

2) Innovation, leadership and/or commitment towards environmental stewardship; and,

3) Company is in compliance with local, state and federal environmental regulations and requirements.

Applications will be evaluated using a Numeric Ranking System based on the following criteria:

Metrics: Measurable goals & results
Program: Details about programs covered in plan
Reductions: Actual reductions achieved
Impact: Overall impact to organization and/or industry
Innovation: Innovative elements

Applications and fee should be sent to: Diversified Communications, Attn: WorkBoat Environmental Award, c/o Lisa Keller, 121 Free Street, PO Box 7437, Portland, ME 04112-7437. Applications may also be submitted by email to Lisa Keller at [email protected].

The awards will be presented during the 7th Annual Shipyard Day on Wednesday, December 5 at the Morial Center. Award recipients will receive a plaque, recognition in the January issue of WorkBoat magazine, the WorkBoat Show Daily, and publicity on WorkBoat.com, the e-newsletter, and press releases. Case studies from all nominated businesses or government agencies will be included in the awards program at the ceremony.

This year's judges include: Sarah Branch, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Offshore Marine Service Association; Bruce Buls, Technical Editor, WorkBoat Magazine; Laurie Counsel, Energy and Environmental Relations Director, Cummins Inc.; Peter Lauridsen, Regulatory Affairs Consultant, Passenger Vessel Association; David Santos, Commercial Craft Segment Manager, ZF Marine LLC; and, Christina Villiott, Director of Marketing, Elliott Bay Design Group.

Past WorkBoat Environmental Award Winners are:

2011
Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan
1st Place: Port of San Diego
Judges Special Recognition: Pacific Whale Foundation

Outstanding Environmental Initiative
1st Place: AEP River Operations
2nd Place: MetalCraft Marine
3rd Place: Southern Towing

2010
Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan
1st Place: Cummins Inc.
2nd Place: Crowley Maritime Corp.
3rd Place: Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp.
Judges Special Recognition: Chase Cabinet Makers Inc.

Outstanding Environmental Initiative
1st Place: Harley Marine Services
2nd Place: Norfolk Tug Company/James River Barge Line Ltd.
3rd Place: Crescent Towing
Judges Special Recognition: C.I. Agent Solutions LLC

2009
Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan
First Place: Foss Maritime Company
Second Place: Crowley Maritime Corporation
Third Place: Harley Marine Services

Outstanding Environmental Initiative
First Place: Alcatraz Cruises, LLC
Second Place: Foss Maritime Company
Third Place: McGinnis, Inc.

2008 Award Winners
First Place: RiverQuest
Honorable Mentions: Port of Seattle, Crowley Maritime Services and Yankee Roamer

"These award winners clearly show sustainability practices yield bottom-line results and tremendous overall benefits to our communities," commented Buls.

To view a video with Buls discussing the WorkBoat Environmental Award, click here.
http://www.workboat.com/enviro_award/

For further information, please contact: Lisa Keller, IWBS, 207-842-5624, [email protected]

Information Links:
WorkBoat Environmental Award contact: Lisa Keller, Diversified Business Communications, [email protected]

The International WorkBoat Show website: www.workboatshow.com

International WorkBoat Show
The International WorkBoat Show is North America's largest maritime trade show and conference. For 33 years, the WorkBoat Show has proven to be the premier marketplace for businesses working on the coastal, inland and offshore waters. To attend the show, pre-register online at www.workboatshow.com or call 800-454-3007. Pre-registration for the exhibit hall is free, onsite price is $50.

To exhibit call Chris Dimmerling at 207-842-5666.

The International WorkBoat show is produced by Diversified Business Communications.

# # #