The maritime industry's most prestigious awards will be presented at a gala industry dinner and dance to be held at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers, New York City, on October 26, 2012. Recognition will also be given to American Seafarers for specific acts of bravery and heroism while at sea.
In announcing the recipients, General Kenneth Wykle, USA(ret.), Chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee, said: "Niels M. Johnsen represents the finest in ship management just as Bob Johnston brings seagoing and operational excellence to our industry. Senator Landrieu has spent her career in elected office bringing a leadership voice to efforts that benefit all Americans." He added: "It is our honor to honor these three with the AOTOS Award this year." General Wykle is also President of the National Defense Transportation Association.
Niels M. Johnsen joined International Shipholding Corporation in 1970 after service in the U.S. Army. He has been Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of International Shipholding Corp. since 2007. He also serves as Chairman of International Shipholding's principal subsidiaries Central Gulf Lines, Inc. and Waterman Steamship Corporation. Since 1988, he has served on the company's board of directors. He is a native of New Jersey and a 1967 graduate of Tulane University.
International Shipholding Corporation and its subsidiaries are engaged in waterborne cargo transportation, which includes pure car/truck carrier services, roll on/roll off, breakbulk/bulk carrier services, domestic coastwide services, container vessels, multi-purpose vessels, and rail ferry transportation. Subsidiaries operate 38 vessels and include Central Gulf Lines, Inc.; Waterman Steamship Corporation; LCI Shipholdings, Inc.; CG Railway, Inc.; LMS Shipmanagement, Inc.; and East Gulf Shipholding, Inc. International Shipholding Corporation maintains offices in Mobile, Alabama; New York, New York; Shanghai, China; and Singapore as well as a network of agencies in major cities worldwide.
Captain Robert Johnston has had an eclectic career in the U. S. maritime industry. He is Senior Vice President and head of U.S. Flag Strategic Business Unit of OSG, including U.S.- flag technical operations based in Tampa, Florida. From 2005 until his recent appointment, Captain Johnston was head of Shipping Operations. In this role he established numerous programs focused on improved safety, environmental and operational performance of the OSG's International and U.S.-flag fleet. Prior to that, he held numerous positions including Chief Commercial Officer and Vice President of U.S. operations, where his responsibilities included the operation of the U.S. -flag fleet. He was promoted to Senior Vice President in 1998.
Prior to coming ashore in 1976, Captain Johnston served on crude oil tankers and product carriers in capacities ranging from Third Mate to Master. He joined OSG in 1969. Captain Johnston holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marine transportation from the State University of New York's Maritime College and is a graduate of the executive program at Dartmouth University's Tuck Business School.
Captain Johnston is Vice Chairman of Intertanko. He is a member of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Council and the ABS Classification Committee. He is president and member of the board of the American Maritime Association as well as a member of the board of the Transportation Institute. He is a past chairman and committee member of the Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) and a past board member of OSG America LLC.
Mary L. Landrieu has been fighting and winning since she was first elected to public office at the age of 23. After serving eight years as a
