NAMEPA's Annual Conference in New York

The theme of this year's NAMEPA (North American Marine Environment Protection Association) Annual Conference, 'Marine Environment Protection:  Evolution or Revolution?', reflects both the revolutionary challenges (new Emission Control Area (ECA) requirements, fuel sourcing, and partnerships) and evolutionary changes (updates in emergency response, regulations, and risk management) in the maritime industry.  The conference will be held on October 29th aboard the Hornblower Infinity at Pier 40 in New York, NY beginning at 0800.

"Our industry continues to experience revolutionary changes, as well as the evolution of responses to today's commercial and regulatory environment," stated NAMEPA Chairman Clay Maitland.  "We are facing a new era in marine propulsion, while updating and improving aspects of our operational practices.  We continue to create strategic alliances with groups anxious to work with us to improve the performance of our industry, as well as conduct risk analysis to make sure we are on track for success."

The "Revolution" of the new ECA coming into force on January 1, 2015 will prompt discussions about low sulfur fuel supplies and fuel alternatives.  Other revolutionary challenges being discussed include the maritime industry's willingness to partner to achieve collective success.  From an "Evolution" standpoint, a mixed-discipline panel will address the maritime industry's last 25 years of learning and improving its ability to respond to emergencies at sea.  Also, a senior leadership roundtable will address the evolving change of viewing risk management as a tool for continual efficiency and improvement.

Ray Botto of SeaRiver Maritime
The opening keynote speaker will be RDML Paul Thomas, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy of the United States Coast Guard.   Renee Marazon of The Maritime Academy of Toledo will deliver the luncheon keynote address updating industry on the role and value of maritime harbor schools.  Other speakers include Jonathan Waldron of Blank Rome, Ian Workman of World Fuels Services, Ray Botto of SeaRiver Maritime, Captain Gordon Loebl of the US Coast Guard, Mauricio Garrido of T&T Salvage, Paul Hankins of the American Salvage Association, and Johanna Polsenberg of the Wildlife Conservation Society.  The senior leadership roundtable will feature some of the NAMEPA Marine Environment Protection Award winners:  Bud Darr of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Chris Peterson of Titan Salvage, Susan Dwarnick of the Bureau of Safety and Environment Enforcement (BSEE), and Joe Cox of the Chamber of Shipping of America.  Jeffrey Pribor of Jefferies rounds out the panel. 

The day will be capped by NAMEPA's Annual Awards Dinner, which will honor Titan Salvage, Cruise Lines International Association, the Bureau of Safety and Environment Enforcement, and Renee Marazon of The Maritime Academy of Toledo. Joe Cox, President and CEO of the Chamber of Shipping of America will receive the Individual Award.