AWO Presents Inaugural Safety Award to CITGO’s Lake Charles Marine Department

The American Waterways Operators’ Tankering & Barge Operations Subcommittee presented its inaugural safety award to CITGO Petroleum Corporation’s Lake Charles, La., marine department and facility on August 11.

The department received the award in recognition of its industry-leading commitment to workplace safety, demonstrated by its requirement that the dock operator be present while someone is transiting the gangway from the facility to a vessel. This practice ensures the safety of individuals using the gangway.

The award was presented virtually to accommodate COVID-19 safety precautions in place at CITGO and across the tug, towboat and barge industry. Representatives on hand for the presentation included, among others: Carlos Jordá, president and CEO, CITGO Petroleum Corporation; Jennifer Carpenter, president and CEO, The American Waterways Operators; Matt Lagarde, assistant vice president, Ingram Barge Company and chairman of the AWO Interregion Safety Committee; and Jim Fletcher, owner/president, Team Services LLC and chairman of the AWO Tankering & Barge Operations Subcommittee.

A video of the presentation can be found at https://vimeo.com/447200165.

“All of us at CITGO are extremely proud to be named the inaugural recipient of AWO’s safety award,” Jordá said. “Safety is our top priority, and this prestigious award is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the CITGO Lake Charles marine department.”

“AWO is proud of the work that the Tankering & Barge Operations Subcommittee is doing to raise awareness of best practices in maritime safety,” Carpenter said. “The subcommittee has identified safe access/egress at the vessel-to-facility interface as a serious safety issue, and CITGO’s Lake Charles marine department richly deserves this inaugural award for its leadership in this area and for its commitment to ensuring its facility is a safe work environment.”