April Bailey, Port Bureau Dinner Committee Chairperson, and CAPT Bill Diehl, Port Bureau President, presenting Lori Ryerkerk, Shell with a replica model of the USS Constitution as the Maritime Company of the Year. (Photo: Business Wire)

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Shell Oil Company (“Shell”) was honored with the prestigious “Maritime Company of the Year” award at the Greater Houston Port Bureau’s 89th Annual Maritime Dinner on August 18, 2018.

More than 700 industry executives, government officials and industry leaders attended the event to recognize Shell. David Grzebinski, president and CEO of Kirby Corporation, served as keynote speaker in the program.

Grzebinski applauded Shell’s leadership in safety by stating “Shell people at every level, from the top to the bottom, show a deep, personal concern for their vendors’ people at every level.”

A replica of the USS Constitution was presented in recognition of Shell’s investments, achievements, and its continuing commitment to improving shipping in the port of Houston and globally. Lori Ryerkerk, executive vice president for Shell Global Manufacturing, representing Shell at the Annual Maritime Dinner, accepted the award on behalf of Shell.

“It is really my honor tonight to accept this award on behalf of the 3,500 maritime and shipping employees around the world and more than 6,000 Houston-based employees of Shell we have here,” said Ryerkerk.

In confirming Shell’s dedication to improving the maritime industry, Ryerkerk noted a collaborative effort between Shell, the Greater Houston Port Bureau, and key maritime companies to optimize vessel transits in the Houston port region. “Increasing efficient movements is the final part of how we collectively will sustain the Houston port region as the premier petrochemical port manufacturing complex in the U.S.”

In addition to the keynote recognition and award presentation, City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner provided a city proclamation, and Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman of Precinct 2 presented a county resolution.

The event was held at the Bayou City Event Center.

About the Greater Houston Port Bureau

The Greater Houston Port Bureau is a member-driven non-profit dedicated to promoting the maritime community, providing vessel movement information, and offering member companies premier networking and advertising opportunities to drive business and further the common goals of the regional maritime industry. Learn more about the Greater Houston Port Bureau at txgulf.org.