Freight News, People, Sea

AOTOS to Honor Nolan, Tellez, Thorogood

[ August 21, 2024   //   Gary G Burrows ]

The United Seamen’s Service’s 55th annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea, or AOTOS, Awards will be presented to Tim Nolan, president and CEO of the TOTE Group; Augustin “Augie” Tellez, executive vice president of the Seafarers International Union; and Daniel J. Thorogood, CEO of Fairwater.
The awards, the traditional silver statuette of Christopher Columbus, will be presented at a gala dinner and dance Oct. 25 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel.
A Special AOTOS Recognition Plaque will be presented to ILWU Local 142 and Hawaii Longshore Division for their response to Maui being hit by a catastrophic wildfire that spread throughout the Community of Lahaina in August 2023. American seafarers will also be recognized for heroism and bravery during the event.
The AOTOS Award is widely regarded as the most prestigious accolade in the maritime sector, to individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of seafarers and the U.S. maritime industry.
“These industry leaders have shown an unwavering commitment to advancing the maritime industry and protecting our seafarers’ best interests,” said LTG Kenneth R. Wykle, USA, (Ret.), USS AOTOS committee chairman.
Wykle said that, during Nolan’s 10 years at TOTE, the U.S.-flag carrier has made significant investments in new and refitted U.S.-flag vessels, which are critical to advancing the U.S.-flag industry. Nolan also led the TOTE Services business line to develop a vessel construction management company for the five U.S. Maritime Administration-owned National Security Multi-Mission vessels.
Wykle said Tellez will be honored for his nearly 50 years in the industry and has been an active leader with SIU and has been dedicated to protecting the well-being of seafarers.
“His collaborative approach was critical during the height of the pandemic when all segments of the American maritime community worked together during unprecedented circumstances,” Wykle added.
Thorogood “is committed to ensuring Fairwater operates at the highest standards and prioritizes safety for seafarers, employees, cargo and the environment,” Wykle said.
Fairwater, a recently created Jones Act energy and chemical transportation solutions provider, active in all major Jones Act coastwise tank vessel trades focused on safely transporting petroleum products, chemical parcels and Alaskan crude oil via a diverse, owned fleet of 31 tankers and articulated tug-barges.
A joint venture between maritime and logistic companies SEACOR Holdings and Crowley, Fairwater provides ship management to third-party vessels and engineering and construction services.
Before Fairwater, Thorogood spent 16 years serving as president and CEO of Seabulk, a U.S.-Caribbean carrier as well as providing U.S. coastwise energy and chemical transportation, harbor towing, bunkering operations, liner services and third-party vessel management.
The ILWU Local 142 and Hawaii Longshore Division is recognized for their response in August 2023 as Maui was hit by a catastrophic wildfire that spread throughout the Community of Lahaina. ILWU workers responded with life-saving supplies and humanitarian support that helped save lives and restore hope and dignity to the stricken population.
Proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. merchant marine, seafarers of all nations, and U.S. government and military members overseas.
For inquiries regarding the gala, contact USS AOTOS Coordinators Lisa Aurichio or June Chin at aotos@bsya.com.
United Seamen’s Service promotes the welfare of American seafarers and their dependents, seafarers of all nations, U.S. government military and civilian personnel and other persons engaged in the maritime industry.