INLAND WATERWAYS

Right Rev. Andrew M. L. Dietsche, Episcopal Bishop of New York, blesses vessels in parade of ships that preceded Silver Bell Awards dinner.

On June 9, the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) gathered leaders in the shipping and maritime industry for its 44th Annual Silver Bell Awards Dinner (SBA) at Pier 60 in New York City. This year, the SBA honored Edmond J. (Ned) Moran— Director, Moran Towing Corporation—with the Lifetime Achievement Award and the U.S. maritime academies with the Silver Bell Award.

“We are proud to honor Ned tonight with our lifetime service award for his 40 years of distinguished service and commitment to our industry,” said SCI’s President and Executive Director, the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt. “We are also honored to present the Silver Bell Award to the U.S. maritime academies for their role in training a talented and diverse community of young mariners, providing us with the next generation in maritime leadership.”

Originally slated to accept his award in person, Moran was called away on a lastminute family obligation: Ted Tregurtha, CEO of Moran Towing, accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on his behalf.

Accepting the Silver Bell Award for the maritime academies were Vice Admiral Jack Buono—superintendent, United States Merchant Marine Academy, and Rear Adm. Dr. Michael Alfultis, president, SUNY Maritime College, along with representatives from California State University Maritime Academy, Maine Maritime Academy, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Great Lakes Maritime Academy, and Texas A&M Maritime Academy.

The festivities featured a parade of vessels on the Hudson River prior to the ceremony and a presentation of colors by the Coast Guard Sector New York. The Kings Point Mariner’s Choir was on hand for the hymn and National Anthem. The Right Reverend Andrew M. L. Dietsche, Episcopal Bishop of New York, opened the event with an invocation. The event’s 500 guests were led into dinner by the Port Authority Police Department pipes & drums band.

A highlight of this year’s event was the announcement of a $1.2 million gift by Richard du Moulin, SCI’s Board of Trustee Chair Emeritus and 2021 Silver Bell Award recipient. In his special video statement, du Moulin noted SCI’s outstanding work and innovation, and said his gift was “simple payback” to all the mariners and shoreside personnel who helped build his company over the years.

The Silver Bell Awards Dinner is an annual fundraising event for the Seamen’s Church Institute, supporting educational, advocacy, and pastoral care programs for seafarers and mariners.

The Seamen’s Church Institute advocates for the personal, professional, and spiritual well being of merchant mariners around the world. Through its Center for Maritime Education, Center for Mariner Advocacy, Port Newark International Seafarers’ Center, and Ministry on the River, SCI promotes safety, dignity, and improved working and living conditions for the men and women serving in the maritime workplace. Founded in 1834 and affiliated with the Episcopal Church—though interfaith and inclusive in terms of its trustees, staff, and service to mariners—the Seamen’s Church Institute is the largest, most comprehensive mariners’ service agency in North America.

VLS Environmental Solutions LLC reports that it has acquired Plaquemine Point Shipyard. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Based in Plaquemine, La., the shipyard is located just outside of Baton Rouge and provides full-service barge cleaning and repair along the Mississippi River. The shipyard will operate within the VLS Marine Services division.

Wade Grundmeyer, VLS regional vice president for Southeast Louisiana, will run the business reporting to Eddie Van Huis, VLS vice president of marine services.

“We are excited to expand our specialty cleaning and repair services with the acquisition of Plaquemine Point Shipyard,” said VLS CEO John Magee. ”We are excited to utilize our combined strengths to continue providing high quality service to our customers in the region.”

“[The shipyard] is a strategic acquisition that expands the geographic offering of our marine services business. VLS Marine has established itself as a leader along the Intracoastal Waterway, and we are excited to build upon that success with a location along the Mississippi River,” said Van Huis.

VLS Marine Services’ barge cleaning and repair facilities provide services for a wide variety of chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products.

In addition to Plaquemine Point, VLC Marine has two facilities in Port Arthur, Texas, and two in Sulphur, La.