The Network recognized for marine environment preservation efforts

Originally reposted in  Alaska Business Monthly, 9/10/2015

ANCHORAGE – The Alaska Maritime Prevention & Response Network (“Network”) was recently awarded the 2015 Marine Environment Protection Award by the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA). The award recognizes the Network’s successful environmental performance and improvement plans, innovative programs that exceed minimum regulatory compliance, and its long-term, substantial impact.

“The Network’s continued success is due in large part to the support of the maritime industry over the past several years,” said Jim Butler, Managing Director. “The Network’s board reflects the industry we serve and we are all committed to programs that provide the most flexibility and service for participating operators throughout Western Alaska.”

The Network is an Alaska-based nonprofit corporation established in 2011 to provide services for vessels operating in Western Alaska and Prince William Sound. Tank and nontank vessel operators must comply with U.S. Coast Guard pollution and spill prevention regulations, which had been virtually impossible in most of Alaska due to the state’s size, remoteness, and limited infrastructure. The Network helps vessel operators in Alaska meet these unique needs through Coast Guard-approved “Alternate Planning Criteria” programs (APC) that include 24/7 vessel monitoring, early detection of problems, pre-determined transit routes that mitigate risk, and oil spill removal equipment located strategically throughout Western Alaska.

The Network assists over 500 vessel operators from around the world and is the only program approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for all Western Alaska and Prince William Sound. In early September, the U.S. Coast Guard re-approved the Network’s tank and nontank vessel APC through December 2017.

NAMEPA is a marine industry-led nonprofit that works to preserve and protect the marine environment. The award will be presented at the North American Environment Protection Association’s Awards Dinner in New York City on October 29.

Previous recipients of this award include Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Maersk, APL, the U.S. Coast Guard, and National Geographic.