K-Sea Achieves ABS HSQE Certification

(East Brunswick, NJ) K-Sea Transportation Partners L.P. announced today that it has successfully completed the ABS HSQE certification process for all of its locations and operating divisions. K-Sea is the first U.S. flag tug and barge operator to achieve ABS HSQE certification, according to ABS.  The company's management system meets the standards of the ISM Code, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. In addition, K-Sea continues to maintain its AWO Responsible Carrier Program certification.

According to K-Sea's President and CEO, Tim Casey, the ABS HSQE certification wasthe product of a two year effort that entailed a rigorous review and overhaul of the company's operating practices, policies and procedures.  "Our HSQE certification efforts grew from the need to integrate three different safety management systems that existed within K-Sea as a result of fleet merger and acquisition activity. The integration process focused on identifying best practices, and wherever possible streamlining and improving our business processes.  During the same period we also developed and launched VECTOR, our proprietary electronic fleet management and data communications platform.  I am extremely proud of these accomplishments and would like to thank all of our employees whose efforts made them possible.  This includes all levels of management, both sea-going and ashore and, in particular, our HSQE and VECTOR project team members."

"ABS offers the Marine HSQE certification program to the maritime industry as a tool for enhancing marine management practices and further supporting responsible management in the operation of ships and prevention of pollution," says ABS Director of Management Systems Certification Hemant Juneja. "This certification bears testimony of the path of self-discovery and the proactive approach adopted by K-Sea in their quest for continual improvement."

K-Sea is one of the largest coastwise tank barge operators in the United States. The Company provides refined petroleum products transportation, distribution and logistics services in the U.S. domestic marine transportation market, and its common units trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol KSP.

Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification society devoted to promoting the security of life, property and the marine environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine-related facilities.
 

Source: K-Sea