IN FOCUS : SUSTAINABILITY
As the tugboat , towboat and barge industry ’ s advocate , resource , and united voice , AWO is committed to ensuring our industry ’ s near- and long-term success in navigating the accelerating global drive for decarbonization . In 2022 , AWO ’ s Board of Directors established a CEO-level Sustainability Task Force to make recommendations on the best way for AWO to support the interests of the entire membership in tackling the challenges and leveraging the opportunities that this profoundly disruptive drive for change will bring .
Empirical data shows that the tugboat , towboat and barge industry is the most environmentally friendly , fuel-efficient mode of freight transportation , with both lower greenhouse gas emissions per ton-mile and a substantially smaller carbon footprint than competing modes . This is in addition to the many other societal benefits our industry provides like increased public safety , decreased traffic congestion , and good-paying jobs with great potential for career mobility .
Led by Vice Chairman of the Board Rick Iuliucci of The Vane Brothers Company , the task force developed a comprehensive public affairs and public policy agenda that includes :
■ Telling the positive story of our industry ’ s sustainability leadership to government , industry customers , other stakeholders and the public to secure our seat at the table as a proactive partner in sustainable transportation ;
■ Working with government and coalition partners to promote public policies that recognize the environmental benefits of maritime commerce , support the movement of more cargo by water , and enhance the efficiency of the marine transportation system ; and ,
■ Support member companies in their individual approaches to optimizing sustainable transportation .
The drive for decarbonization holds many challenges for AWO members , from financial and competitive issues to regulatory uncertainty to technical and logistical problems . The task force ’ s action plan is aimed at supporting all members and ensuring that the tugboat , towboat and barge industry not only survives , but thrives , as a sustainable , innovative , and essential sector of the domestic supply chain and the American economy .
2022 ANNUAL REPORT 13