IMarEST Fellow and IMO delegate Andy Wright honoured by U.S. Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard has presented its Meritorious Public Service Award to Andy Wright for his services to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as a delegate of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).
Andy was honoured for his exemplary leadership, outstanding achievements, and contributions at the IMO to enhance maritime safety and marine environmental protection. His dedication, professionalism, and unwavering support for the maritime community, the U.S. public, and the protection of the marine environment were commended as being in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Andy is a Consultant Engineer at Lloyd’s Register Marine Advisory Services and has been a member of the IMarEST for over fifty years - now a Fellow, the highest level of membership with the Institute. A longtime IMarEST delegate to the IMO, Andy is highly regarded and respected for his determined character, sound and independent judgment and technical expertise.
Capt. Jerry Butwid, Head of the US Delegation, from the U.S. Coast Guard presented the award to Andy on 23 February 2024 at a side event to the 11th Session of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response.
Capt. Butwid noted: “During his 30 plus years of contributions to the IMO and global maritime industry, he's been a friend, mentor, and teacher championing a collaborative work environment to improve safety and environmental protection standards for international shipping. Mr. Wright cultivated invaluable collaborative partnerships and facilitated the exchange of innovative ideas to confront pressing and emerging global challenges including decarbonization, environmental stewardship, and global management of the maritime transportation system.”
Indeed, older members of the Institute may recall Andy from his authorship of “Exhaust Emissions from Combustion Machinery” published by the then Institute of Marine Engineers as part of its Marine Engineering Practice series in the 1990s.
Commenting on his award, Andy said: “While the award was made to me, I would see it also, at least in part, as being made to the Institute itself – it reflects what we, where there is such expertise available, can provide to progress matters in accordance with our mission.”
He added: “At the IMO I have, in some respects, the best seat in the house! I advise the IMarEST before each meeting with the freedom to use my good judgement during the meetings to react as the dynamics of the session develop in accordance with our status as a learned and impartial observer. For that, I thank the Institute for the confidence that you have in me to both perform that role and in so doing able to separate that out from my other responsibilities.”
Dr. Lorenzo Casarosa, Policy and Professional Engagement Manager at the IMarEST, is permanent representative at the IMO for the Institute and head of delegation. He said: “Everybody at the IMarEST is delighted for Andy and proud to be working with him. We want to congratulate him for this hugely deserved award and medal, which are clear testament to his hard work, determination and contributions made.”
He added: “It is important to note that this prestigious award is given for exceptional contributions and, normally, only at the end of one's career, retirement and/or involvement with the IMO - in Andy's case it was given while he is still very much part of the IMO process, which is quite unusual, hence further evidence of his accomplishment. We look forward to working with Andy for many more years to come!”
The U.S. Coast Guard maintains several civilian Public Service Awards to recognize private citizens, groups, or organisations for helping the Coast Guard carry out its missions. The Meritorious Public Service Award, the second-highest public service award the Coast Guard may bestow, is given to recognise those who have accomplished one or more of the following: unusual courage in advancing a Coast Guard mission, substantial contribution to the Coast Guard that produced tangible results and specific individual accomplishments that provide unique benefits to the public.
