Print  |  Close Window   AMO Currents  -  Posted: April 28, 2009

U.S. Shipping vessels achieve remarkable safety, environmental milestones
Collectively, 10 vessels in the U.S. Shipping Partners fleet have gone a total of 44.5 years without a lost-time accident (LTA). As a result of their outstanding record, the company and its fleet have been recognized with several safety achievement and environmental awards.

The ITB New York has reached the remarkable safety milestone of 10 years without an LTA, a testament to the culture of safety fostered by American Maritime Officers members, who man U.S. Shipping vessels in all licensed positions. U.S. Shipping vessels operating for extended periods without lost-time accidents include:
  • ITB Baltimore: four years
  • M/V Charleston: 2.5 years
  • S/S Chemical Pioneer: six years
  • ATB Freeport (delivered 2007): two years
  • ITB Groton: one year
  • M/V Houston: two years
  • ITB Jacksonville: six years
  • ITB Mobile: two years
  • ITB New York: 10 years
  • ITB Philadelphia: six years
  • M/V Sea Venture: three years
An LTA is defined as an accident resulting in a crew member sustaining an injury requiring him or her to miss at least one shift, and the number of LTAs occurring onboard a ship serve as a maritime industry standard for measuring safety performance.

In 2007, U.S Shipping was again recognized for its commitment to protecting the environment with the Chamber of Shipping of America’s Environmental Achievement Award. Notably, the ITB Philadelphia has achieved 14 years of operation without an environmental incident, and several other vessels in the fleet have similarly operated for extended periods.

U.S. Shipping received the 2008 William M. Benkert Silver Award for environmental excellence. In 2006, 2002 and 1997, U.S. Shipping received Honorable Mention. The Benkert Award is the foremost national recognition of outstanding achievement, extending far beyond compliance with marine environmental regulatory standards.

U.S. Shipping has also been recognized with the Green Flag Award from the Port of Long Beach for the company’s contribution to improved air quality through vessel operations.

An Awards Ceremony for the U.S. Shipping Senior Officers’ Conference was held April 8 at American Maritime Officers headquarters.
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