Page 6: of Marine News Magazine (September 2011)

This month, we take a broad look at the state of the environment, what impact inland, offshore and coastal industries have had on that metric, and more importantly, where we are collectively headed. You can?t talk about business without also including the environment in the same conversation. That?s because the condition of one ultimately affects the health of the other. In this edition of MarineNews , you?ll find out why. Are you going ?green?? Are you there yet? If so, what?s your motivation for doing so? As little as five years ago, the move towards a cleaner waterfront was spurred primarily by two factors; the advent of rapidly advancing regulatory hammer and, to a much lesser extent, the desire of a handful of firms to do the right thing for the right reasons. Foss Maritime?s hybrid technology tug design introduced in 2008 comes to mind right about now. Less than three years ago, Faber told any- one who would listen, ?There is a difference between being environmentally aware and environmentally proactive.? Today, Harvey Gulf CEO Shane Guidry?s bold decision to build clean, LNG-powered OSV?s for the U.S.-flag markets is a key reminder that forward-thinking executives still run our marine enterprises. As the regulatory noose tightens on all sectors of the maritime industry , nowhere has its impact been greater than along the U.S. coastal and inland markets. MNcontributor Susan Buchanan?s overview of the U.S. GOM environ- mental outlook shows us why that won?t change in the near future, but also why the aftermath of last summer?s deep- water spill isn?t as dire as had been feared. We still have work to do when it comes to doing a cleaner job. At the same time, the need to polish the message ? that we as an industry are doing better than some would have you believe ? is clear. And, if you need to quantify that claim, then simply turn to our ?By the Numbers? feature on page 57 for proof. Still focusing on regulatory compliance and the environment, good news abounds. As the AWO embraces the Coast Guard?s historic new inspection program for towing vessels, including a requirement for a safety management system as recommended by the NTSB, we can look towards a safer and cleaner inland waterways system. Arguably, Tom Allegretti?s cooperative effort with DHS regulators will eventually rival the innovative thinking ? albeit on a different front ? of both Guidry and Faber. Elsewhere in this edition and on the inland waterways, new technology being employed to repair critical marine infra- structure will allow America?s cleanest form of bulk transportation to move more efficiently through the Markland Locks and Dams, while at the same time, expediting repairs to a dozen other projects. Here, we see that federal fund- ing for inland infrastructure can promote a cleaner carbon foot- print. We need more of it. As an industry, we are also doing bet- ter in that regard than you might think. Getting that message out is a key part of ?Going Green.? Let?s get to work. SUBSCRIBESubscribe to the print or electronic edition of MarineNews at www.marinelink.com/renewsubscr/Renew04/subscribe.html or e-mail Kathleen Hickey at [email protected] DAILY NEWS via E-MAILTwice every business day we provide breaking news, tailored to your specification, delivered FREE directly to your e-mail. To subscribe visit http://maritimetoday.com/login.aspx POST & SEARCHJOBSJob listings are updated daily and help match employers with qualified employees. Post a position or keep abreast of new employment opportunities at http://www.maritimejobs.com ADVERTISEMN offers a number of print and electronic advertising packages. To see our editorial calendar and advertising rates, visit www.marinelink.com/AdvRates/Rates.asp Joseph Keefe, Editor, [email protected] Online Resources 6MNSeptember 2011EDITOR?S NOTEkeefe@ marinelink.comMN#9 (1-17):MN 2011 Layouts 9/6/2011 3:30 PM Page 6