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The Port of Seattle and Seattle Propeller Club will be presenting the 6th Annual Marine Environmental Business of the Year Award next month, as part of the Seattle Maritime Festival.

The award recognizes companies with operations in Seattle that exemplify innovative and effective environmental initiatives supporting maritime industry efforts towards becoming the 'greenest and most energy efficient port in North America'.

The two main areas of consideration will be:

* Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan — Designed to showcase a wide-ranging, all-inclusive environmental program that is part of the company-wide culture and goes well beyond State and Federal mandates.

* Environmental Initiative — Designed to showcase a specific initiative, process and/or project. Project does not have to be completed to be considered in this category.

Eligibility

Corporations eligible to apply will have maritime-related operations in Seattle. Nominated projects must take place in the Puget Sound region.

Selection Committee

A committee comprised of industry, environmental, regulatory and media representatives will review applications and select the award recipients.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be considered based on:

1) Successful efforts to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into maritime/ industrial operations;

2) Innovation, leadership and/or commitment towards environmental stewardship, especially air and water pollution prevention; and,

3) The company will need to be in compliance with local, state and federal environmental regulations and requirements. Any compliance issues must have been resolved to the satisfaction of the Department of Ecology.

Previous award nominees have included barge operators/fuel transportation companies Harley Marine Services, Foss Maritime Company and Crowley Maritime Corporation.

The deadline for entries this year is Friday, April 19. Please find a link to the application form below:

Application Form - Annual Marine Environmental Business of the Year Award

The award winners will be announced at the Seattle Propeller Club Maritime Festival Luncheon aboard the Sapphire Princess at Pier 66 on Thursday, May 16.