The USCG has honored AWO members Crowley Marine Services, Inc. and
Southern Towing Company with the William M. Benkert Award for excellence in marine environmental protection. Benkert Awards for the year 2000 competition were presented in four categories: large and small vessel operating companies, and large and small marine facility operators. AWO member Crowley Marine Services, Inc., headquartered in Seattle, won the large vessel category. AWO member Southern Towing Company, based in Memphis, Tenn., shared the award for the small vessel category. Rear Admiral Robert C. North, assistant commandant for Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, presented the awards at the American Petroleum Institute Tanker Conference in La Jolla, California.
The USCG's William M. Benkert Award is the premier national award recognizing U.S.-based vessel and marine transportation facility operators who have demonstrated sustained excellence and outstanding achievements in protecting the marine environment. Winners of the biennial award have implemented outstanding marine environmental protection programs that far exceed regulatory requirements.