
Aberdeen-based North Star Shipping, which has the largest wholly-owned British fleet engaged in the UK offshore industry, has reached a double milestone after being shortlisted for two major health and safety awards.
The British Safety Council has shortlisted North Star Shipping for the Transport, Distribution and Storage Sector Award in its International Safety Awards scheme while one of the company’s chief engineers, Robert Watt, is in the running for Health and Safety Champion of the Year.
Douglas Craig, Chairman and Managing Director, Craig Group, said: “Being shortlisted for two awards is a significant achievement in itself. It underlines the dedication and efforts of our masters, crew and HSEQ team to continually build on the highest health and safety standards that we are committed to in our business.
“We are also particularly pleased that Robert has been recognised for his outstanding achievements. Robert constantly drives safety on board all vessels he sails on and has been responsible for many safety observations and improvement suggestions that have been shared across the fleet.
“He has made a significant contribution to our new build vessel programme, ensuring these vessels are commissioned correctly and safely, setting the tone on board for a living safety culture throughout our fleet.”
North Star Shipping – a division of the family-owned global shipping and energy services firm, Craig Group – is one of 34 organisations that have been shortlisted from a total of 443 as deserving candidates for the Sector Awards.
Mike Robinson, Chief Executive, British Safety Council, said: “This is the third year we have presented the Sector Awards as part of our long-standing International Safety Awards scheme. This accolade is particularly significant since within the very high standard represented by all winners of the awards, these organisations excel in their industries.”
The Health and Safety Champion of the Year award recognises individual contributions to keeping workers and workplaces healthy and safe every day.
Mr Watt is one of only six people shortlisted for the accolade following nominations from organisations operating in a wide range of industry sectors and countries, including the United Kingdom, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
The winners will be announced at the British Safety Council’s 2016 International Safety Awards gala dinner on May 6 in London.