NAMMA and NAMEPA to Host World Maritime Day Observance in NY

Organized by the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) and the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA), World Maritime Day Observance will be held in on October 23th at the Union League Club.  This event will be the third World Maritime Day Observance held in the United States, which will be hosting the parallel World Maritime Day event in 2009.

This year’s theme is “IMO: 60 years in the service of shipping”, which follows previous years’ focus on environmental issues.

NAMEPA joins the North American Maritime Ministry Association in hosting the event which commences with a worship service at Church of our Saviour on , followed by a luncheon presentation of NAMMA’s annual Seafarer Salute and Joe Gerson Humanitarian Awards at the Union League Club. Recipients of these awards are recognized for their commitment to seafarer welfare. This year’s recipients are Hapag-Lloyd and the United States Coast Guard. The awards will be presented to Adolf Adrion and Commandant Thad Allen, respectively.

The World Maritime Observance will include two conference components: The Power of Partnership and Seafarer/Environment Issues. The first, chaired by NAMEPA Chairman Clay Maitland, will focus on the value of effective partnerships. Captain Andy Winbow, Director of the Administrative Division of the IMO will recount their successful 60 years of forming collaborations with divergent groups. Commandant Thad Allen is expected to underscore the USCG’s role in partnering with industry, with Adolf Adrion of Hapag-Lloyd discussing the role of industry groups such as World Shipping Council, of which he is the Chairman.

The second panel discussion will feature Seafarer Terminal Access issues and Oil Waste Reception Facilities. Industry, USCG and seafarer welfare leaders will participate.

Another highlight of the day will be the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) Environment Awards Dinner being held that evening. A tribute to the late George P. Livanos, founder of the MEPA movement, is being sponsored by GrandUnion/NewFront, Kyla Shipping, and SeaGroup. A lifetime achievement award will be presented to the Livanos family.