Crowley announces membership in the Trident Alliance
Crowley Maritime Corp. announces its membership in the Trident Alliance, a coalition of shipping owners and operators that share a common interest in robust enforcement of existing maritime sulphur regulations. In joining, Crowley has signed a statement of commitment, certifying that the company agrees to comply with sulfur regulations and support the robust and transparent enforcement of these regulations, the company said in its press release.
Because sulphur-restricting regulations have resulted in increased fuel costs for shipping companies, many unscrupulous operators have violated regulations by burning cheaper, non-compliant, higher sulfur fuels. Doing so not only results in increases in harmful emissions, but also places companies that are committed to complying with fuel sulfur restrictions, like Crowley, at a competitive disadvantage. The Trident Alliance is committed to improving enforcement of these regulations in an effort to hold every operator accountable and eliminate the competitive disadvantages that result from deliberate non-compliance.
“Crowley’s decision to align itself with the Trident Alliance makes sense on many levels,” explained Mike Roberts, Crowley’s senior vice president and general counsel. “First and foremost, Crowley’s long-standing support for and compliance with the sulphur regulations has been demonstrated throughout the years in no small part because, as a leader in the maritime industry, it is the responsible thing to do for the environment. Second, Crowley supports the fair leveling of the ‘sulphur playing field’ for the benefit of all parties involved.”
“The threat of weak enforcement of sulphur regulations is escalating fast. Responsible industry is taking the initiative to mitigate this threat, serving the best interests of the environment and human health as well as creating a level playing field for business. By speaking with one united voice, we have the greatest chance to bring about change,” said Roger Strevens, Trident Alliance chairman, on the organization’s website.
In addition to enforcement of existing sulphur regulations, the Trident Alliance is also working to raise awareness of the issue, foster transparency around the operators’ sulfur compliance activities and develop initiatives to foster innovation in practicable enforcement technologies. Membership is currently comprised of around 30 companies, including Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk Line, Maersk Tankers, Scorpio, Stena and others. The Trident Alliance is also represented in forums such as the European Community Shipowners' Association's Sulphur Working Group and the World Shipping Council.
Jacksonville-based Crowley Holdings Inc., a holding company of the 123-year-old Crowley Maritime Corporation, is a privately held family and employee-owned company. The company provides project solutions, energy and logistics services in domestic and international markets by means of six operating lines of business: Puerto Rico Liner Services, Caribbean and Latin America Liner Services, Logistics Services, Petroleum Services, Marine Services and Technical Services. Offered within these operating lines of business are: liner container shipping, logistics, contract towing and transportation; ship assist and escort; energy support; salvage and emergency response through its TITAN Salvage subsidiary; vessel management; vessel construction and naval architecture through its Jensen Maritime subsidiary; government services, and petroleum and chemical transportation, distribution and sales.