U.S. Coast Guard has awarded the Foss Maritime Company its most prestigious environmental honor: the 2008 William M. Benkert ‘gold’ award for marine environmental protection. It is Foss’ second major ‘green’ award in less than a month.
In early June, Foss won the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Excellence Award for development of its low emission ‘Green Dolphin’ hybrid tug, the first time a maritime operating company has ever received the EPA’s honor. Foss also received a Commendation – Environmental Award from BP Shipping, and honorable mention for the ’s 2008 Marine Environmental Business of the Year award.
Foss Maritime President Gary Faber and other top company officials were in , CA., to receive the Benkert award from Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen.
Examples of Foss environmental initiatives the Coast Guard is recognizing with the Benkert award include building the world’s first low emissions “Green Dolphin” hybrid tugboat; voluntarily switching its entire fleet to ultra-low sulfur diesel; minimizing waste streams on harbor tugs by using a vacuum truck service for their oily waste removal; and, completing an energy audit and developing an energy management plan to manage Foss vessels.
In addition, Foss is the first maritime operating company accepted into EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership for its marine operations. It also earned the Chamber of Shipping of America’s recognition for 59 vessels with outstanding environmental records in 2007.