North Star Shipping in Running for Two Major Health and Safety Awards

Aberdeen-based North Star Shipping, which has the largest, wholly-owned British fleet engaged in the UK offshore industry, has reached a double milestone after being shortlisted for two major health and safety awards.

The British Safety Council has shortlisted North Star Shipping for the Transport, Distribution and Storage Sector Award in its International Safety Awards scheme while one of the company’s chief engineers, Robert Watt, is in the running for Health and Safety Champion of the Year.

The winners will be announced at the British Safety Council’s 2016 International Safety Awards gala dinner on May 6 in London.

North Star Shipping - a division of the family-owned global shipping and energy services firm, Craig Group - is one of 34 organizations that have been shortlisted from a total of 443 as deserving candidates for the Sector Awards.

Mike Robinson, chief executive of the British Safety Council, said: “This is the third year we have presented the Sector Awards as part of our long-standing International Safety Awards scheme. This accolade is particularly significant since within the very high standard represented by all winners of the awards, these organizations excel in their industries.”

The Health and Safety Champion of the Year award recognizes individual contributions to keeping workers and workplaces healthy and safe every day.

Mr. Watt is one of only six people shortlisted for the accolade following nominations from organizations operating in a wide range of industry sectors and countries, including the United Kingdom, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

The winners in each of nine Sector Award categories will be announced by Mr. Robinson and Lynda Armstrong OBE, Chair of Trustees.

Douglas Craig, chairman and managing director at Craig Group, said: “Being shortlisted for two awards is a significant achievement in itself. It underlines the dedication and efforts of our masters, crew and HSEQ team to continually build on the highest health and safety standards that we are committed to in our business.

“We are also particularly pleased that Robert has been recognized for his outstanding achievements. Robert constantly drives safety onboard all vessels he sails on and has been responsible for many safety observations and improvement suggestions that have been shared across the fleet.

“He has made a significant contribution to our new build vessel program, ensuring these vessels are commissioned correctly and safely, setting the tone onboard for a living safety culture throughout our fleet.”

Last year, North Star Shipping won a prestigious Sword of Honor from the British Safety Council. The company was one of 61 organizations worldwide - and one of only two in the North-east of Scotland - that achieved the accolade which is awarded to organizations that have demonstrated excellence in the management of health and safety risks at work.