Americas News
Canadian Barge Operator Recognised for Green Tech
Canada's Hamilton Port Authority (HPA) says it has given its 2013 HPA Environmental Excellence Award to tug and barge operator McKeil Marine Ltd. (McKeil) for initiatives including adopting fuel optimising technology.
McKeil installed fuel-saving technology on three of its vessels, reducing their fuel costs by more than 30 percent and bringing down CO2 emissions.
The company, which operates in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, East Coast, and Canadian Arctic, was also a founding member of Green Marine, an industry group devoted to reducing the environmental impact of shipping.
Green Marine's environmental efforts include sharing members' experience and best practices regarding green technologies and initiatives.
"McKeil is a company that thrives on innovation, and brings that spirit to every aspect of its business," said HPA President & CEO Bruce Wood.
"We are very proud to have McKeil as a Hamilton Port Partner, and we greatly value the company's leadership on environmental matters."
As part of the award, McKeil has chosen the Bay Area Restoration Council (BARC) to receive a $5,000 donation from HPA's environmental trust fund on its behalf.
"We are constantly seeking new opportunities to find efficiencies in the operation of our fleet," said McKeil president Steve Fletcher.
"Reducing our carbon footprint and passing on savings to our customers combine for very positive impact.
"We've demonstrated our ability to streamline customer supply chains in current cargo movements and work hard to continually devise new ways to further this effort."
