May Maritime Celebration Makes Waves in Port Arthur
The Port of Port Arthur and the Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center hosted the 5th Annual Texas National Maritime Celebration held at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center on Thursday, May 18th at 6:30 p.m. With nearly 300 attendees, this event honored the past and bright future of the maritime industry.
Larry Kelley, CEO/Port Director navigated the ship as emcee, alongside Public Affairs Manager Sharita Gardner. This year’s keynote speaker was Mayte Medina of the U.S. Coast Guard. Also, the heroic efforts of those who work along our waterway did not go unnoticed on this evening. Sabine Pilot Boat Captains Dylan Simmons, Michael Deemy, David Seymour plus Chad Rollins, and Ashton Jordan of US Coast Guard Station Sabine were recognized for the rescue mission of 4 crew members from the Sea Cypress on March 31, 2023. This was the largest event in Southeast Texas for the Sabine-Neches Waterway and the greater Texas Gulf Coast.
Notably, U.S. Representative Congressman Randy Weber was recognized as the 2023 Maritime Person of the Year! Representing seven ports in Texas, Congressman Weber has been pivotal to this district while overseeing the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I).
All event proceeds benefit the youth summer program Camp SeaPort and support the endeavors of the Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center for mariners. Camp SeaPort scholarship recipients (Ariana Pompa, Jai’Lee Snodgrass and Andy Simpson) were announced by Commissioner Linda Spears at the celebration.
This event would not have been possible without top tier sponsors: Port of Port Arthur, Energy Transfer, Lamar University – Center for Advances in Port Management, Motiva and SSA Marine.
Board Meeting Scheduled For April 21, 2023
