• Training Initiatives: Vane Brothers’ hands-on Mate and Barge Crew (Tankerman) training programs promote employee advancement and are customized to address the company’s specific policies, procedures and equipment. In addition, our Safety Management Team routinely conducts in-service training and on-shore refresher programs.
• Recycling Programs to Cover All Waste Streams: Robust company-wide measures ensure the proper movement of materials eligible for reuse and repurposing.
• 100% Renewable and Bio-Blended Fuels: The utlization of B-5 to B-20 biofuels and R-100 renewable fuels in multiple tug and tank barge applications provides environmental benefits such as a greater reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from Tier III and above engines. The company also transports renewable fuels and renewable fuel feed stock, such as corn, soy and tallow.
• Ballast Water Treatment: All Vane Brothers tank barges that carry ballast water utilize U.S. Coast Guard-approved treatment systems to eliminate any invasive species. These systems comply with all international and federal regulations.
• Safety Incentives: Vane Brothers places a strong emphasis on adherence to our Safety Management System in all aspects of the work we perform. An annual corporate-sponsored program rewards crews for achieving zero-incident goals.
• Marine Vapor Recovery: Tank barges utilize systems wherever available in the U.S. that capture emissions rather than letting vapors escape into the atmosphere. Vapors are sent to shore for destruction.
• Marine Habitat Creation: A retired Vane Brothers barge was donated to the Ocean City Reef Foundation and sunk in 2022 to create a life-sustaining artificial reef.
• AWO Sustainability Task Force Leadership: A Vane Brothers executive was appointed in 2022 as chairman of a CEO level task force for the American Waterways Operators (AWO). The goal was to determine best practices for getting the word out about the tugboat and barge industry being the most sustainable way to move freight today, with a much smaller carbon footprint than truck or rail transportation.
• Community Outreach: Vane Brothers has actively supported community-based projects in proximity to multiple ports. Company personnel has been involved with the Environmental Committee of the Baltimore Port Alliance, the Elizabeth River oyster-restoration project, and various other organizational programs.
• Thermal Treatment: Generated hazardous wastes are containerized and recycled or incinerated, not dumped in a landfill.
• All Crew Members U.S. Coast Guard Credentialed: Vane mariners carry all credentials, endorsements and licenses required by the U.S. Coast Guard for the posts they fill. Vessels pass inspection by the Coast Guard, customers, and independent auditing agencies.
• Safety Management System: An in-depth Towing Vessel Safety Management System developed by Vane Brothers and approved by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and U.S. Coast Guard prioritizes the safety of personnel and the environment.
• LED Lighting and LED Motion Sensors: Carbon footprint reductions have resulted from the utilization of energy-saving equipment at the Baltimore-based headquarters for Vane Brothers’ operations.
• Emissions Monitoring: Towing vessels are monitored during operations to ensure efficient operation, including conservation of fuel and reductions in emissions.
• Tier Compliance: Vane Brothers vessels built since 2014 (more than 50 in all) are U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) TIER 3 compliant. Designs for Tier 4 upgrades are underway.
• A+ for Accountability: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has recognized Vane Brothers for achieving the highest possible grade in the most recent Right Whale Corporate Responsibility program. This program tracks vessel behavior in an environmentally sensitive area of the U.S. East Coast.
• No Oily Water Discharge: To ensure zero discharge overboard, oily waste is removed from vessels via vacuum truck for U.S. EPA-approved disposal.