Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc., the nation’s largest independently-owned ocean-going petroleum barge company, will be honored by American Maritime Safety, Inc. (“AMS”) with the 2014 AMS Tug & Barge Safety Award, it was announced by AMS. The Tug & Barge Award, which recognizes the implementation of outstanding compliance programs that serve to enhance crewmember efficiency and the safe operation of tug and barge vessels in the U.S. coastal waters, will be given out at AMS’ annual membership meeting and safety awards luncheon on October 23, 2014 in New York City.
“It is a great honor to be recognized by American Maritime Safety,” said Morton S. Bouchard III, President and CEO of Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. “Bouchard Transportation recognizes safety as the most important service we can provide our customers, our crews and our environment. As part of our commitment to uphold safety in all aspects of our operation, Bouchard Transportation maintains compliance with all key regulations including ISM Code, American Waterways Operators Responsible Carrier Program, OPA-90 and the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Coast Guard. We also participate in TMSA2 and SIRE to routinely assess safety protocols and ensure best practice guidelines.” AMS is a non-profit maritime trade association, which facilitates the maritime industry’s compliance with international shipping protocols and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. The AMS consortium is comprised of more than 400 vessel owners and operators. It is the leading maritime industry association in the United States specializing in regulatory compliance, particularly with respect to drug and alcohol and harassment prevention policy.