ICHCA International has chosen the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as the first recipient of the John Strang A.O. Memorial award to recognise dedication to the development of the cargo handling industry.
The IMO will receive the award at ICHCA’s anniversary conference for achievements that have led to improvements in efficiency, effectiveness, health and safety.
ICHCA International has developed the award for both organisations and individuals who are a catalyst for positive change and innovation within the maritime industry.
The Award judging panel, which includes senior ICHCA representatives and members of John’s family, have decided to honour IMO with the inaugural award as its continued regulatory and guidance work fulfils all the stated criteria.
ICHCA International named the award after the Strang family, who have supported the organisation since its establishment in the 1950s when John Strang’s father helped establish the institute.
John Strang received the highest recognition for outstanding achievement and service in the Australian honours system when he became an Officer of the Order of Australia (A.O.) in HM The Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June 2016.
He died in September 2016.
Since its inception in 1948, IMO has played a significant role by regulating the maritime industry to ensure safe practices and improve the health and well-being of seafarers and port workers alike.
Such work is also part of the core concepts behind ICHCA.
Since then, the range and depth of IMO’s involvement has broadened out and many new pieces of legislation and associated work impact significantly on ports and terminals.
The award ceremony is taking place on October 3, 2017.
Sallie Strang, Board member of ICHCA International and daughter of John, will present the honour to Joseph Westwood-Booth, IMO’s Senior Deputy Director, Subdivision for Marine Technology and Cargoes, Maritime Safety Division, who is accepting the award on behalf of the IMO’s Secretary General Kitack Lim.
Strang said: “We are thrilled that ICHCA have chosen to honour our father by launching this award in his name and we cannot think of a more worthy recipient than the International Maritime Organization.”
