USA: Maersk Line, Limited Receives Benkert Award

Sustainable business practices are central to “constant care,” the watchword across Maersk worldwide, and last month the U.S. Coast Guard formally recognized Maersk’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) received the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2012 Rear Admiral William M. Benkert Marine Environmental Protection Silver Award in the “large company” category. The U.S. Coast Guard instituted the William M. Benkert Award Program to honor leaders in the field of marine safety and environmental protection while simultaneously raising awareness of maritime industry’s impact on vulnerable marine ecosystems.

“This award recognizes MLL’s continuous efforts and proactive approach to sustainable protection of the environment. Efficient and sound environmental performance and constant care by our colleagues at sea are the keys to a successful shipping company’s performance,” said Patrick Callahan, Director of Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Quality at MLL. Callahan noted that the dedication of the company’s shore and sea staff has been instrumental in gaining recognition as a leader in marine safety and environmental protection.

Maersk Tankers also received a Silver Award at the ceremony for its focus on environmental protection and sustainability in its operations. The award recognizes both MLL and Maersk Tankers for their diligent commitment to the preservation of marine ecosystems and reaffirms their positions as industry leaders in environmental stewardship.

The William M. Benkert Environmental Protection Award is the U.S. Coast Guard’s premiere marine environmental protection award presented to members of the maritime industry. In addition to recognizing outstanding achievements in marine operations and environmental compliance, the award provides a platform for the creative exchange of ideas and continuous assessment of strengths and weaknesses in maritime environmental management.

The Benkert Environmental Protection Award is on display at MLL’s headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia. Bent Nielsen, Director of Marine Standards at Maersk Tankers, Tom Kiernan, Environmental Standards Manager at MLL, and Callahan accepted the awards at a ceremony held on May 21 at the American Petroleum Institute Conference in Orlando, Florida.

In May, MLL published its second annual Sustainability Report. The report details MLL’s results, progress and goals toward strengthening its business practices in areas of safety, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethics.

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Source: Maersk Line Ltd, June 21, 2012