Mr. George A. Tsavliris, Chairman of the International Marine Environment Protection Association (INTERMEPA), travelled to New York City on the 14th November in order to attend the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) 5th Anniversary Conference and Awards Dinner. Despite the mayhem caused by Superstorm Sandy the event went smoothly and was held aboard the "HORNBLOWER INFINITY", docked at Pier 40 on the Hudson River.

NAMEPA is a maritime industry-led initiative which engages maritime businesses, government and the public to "Save our Seas" by promoting sound environmental practices. NAMEPA operates as a nongovernmental organization committed to preserving the marine environment through educating seafarers, port communities and students about the need, and strategies, for protecting this important global resource. NAMEPA was launched in 2007, at the beginning of the financial crisis, and has gone from strength to strength due to the commitment shown by the commercial maritime industry to marine environment protection.

The informative and exceptional conference focused on the international nature of marine environmental issues, with top industry executives from all over the world presenting and in attendance.  The day's event ended with the 5th Anniversary Celebration and Awards Dinner, where Maersk, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the American Salvage Association, SUNY Maritime College and Clay Maitland (NAMEPA Founding Chairman) received recognition for their efforts to "Save our Seas".

For more information on NAMEPA please visit www.namepa.net