Thursday, May 8, 2025

Learnings from the GHPB’s Commerce Club Luncheon from Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Happy Thursday!

We went to the Greater Houston Port Bureau’s (GHPB) Commerce Club Luncheon at the Houston Marriot South at Hobby Airport today. 

The speaker was Barbara Pickering, President of Chevron Shipping Company.  We had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Pickering at the GHPB’s Women in Maritime Happy Hour back in February where she gave an inspirational and motivating speech encouraging the audience to get involved in the maritime industry.  Please check out our Blog for details. 

Today, Barbara Pickering gave us a bit of a background on her journey in the maritime industry.  Ms. Pickering started her career with Chevron in London in the early 1990s and with her hard work she moved to up the ladder with positions in their Pacific Fleet division.  Two of those positions she held were Terminal General Manager, and Fleet Manager.  Then around 25 years ago she was involved with the team which brought lightering or ship-to-ship transfer to the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California for liquified natural gas (LNG).  Ms. Pickering established Chevron’s LNG Shipping Operations, and her career grew through the years.  Then in 2024, Ms. Pickering became the first woman President of Chevron Shipping Company in their 130+ year history.  With hard work, a willingness to learn, and a good mentor she was able to achieve what had never happened before in the history of the company.

Ms. Pickering spoke on some of the things Chevron Shipping Company has accomplished.  In its 130+ years in business, the company moves the equivalent of around 1 billion barrels of oil a year.  They operate 29 company tankers.  Their employees have crewed over 2800 annual voyages with 3rd parties.  In 21 years, they haven’t had any spills.  They have around 2000 employees from 20 different countries and more than 60 port terminals around the world.  Chevron Shipping Company is an established company who has a strong reputation.

Ms. Pickering spoke on how Chevron Shipping Co. and Chevron are helping advance the maritime industry and reduce GHG.  One way is their vessels use technology which reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) all while the while moving hydrocarbons around the world.  Some of the technology they use is silicon and bubbles on the lower part of their vessels which helps them move easily or more smoothly through the water which reduces the emissions and saves fuel.  The next way is in 2026; they will be receiving their first rigid sail LNG gas carrier vessel in agreement with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and the vessel is being built by Hanwha Ocean.  Then, Chevron has updated their Pasadena Refinery and terminal, please see our Blog in December 2024.  Chevron Shipping Co. is a sponsor of Austin H.S. and their maritime program as a way to invest in skills for the industry for today and tomorrow. (Please click the link for more information on this magnet program or check out our Blog in November 2024 for details.)  They provide mentors, internships, tours, and provide speakers to the program.   Chevron Shipping Co. and Chevron are showing by example what happens when we all work together as a community and a partnership we can improve the world.     

Thank you, Barbara Pickering!  You are an interesting and informative speaker, and we are looking forward to seeing what Chevron Shipping Company does next with you at the helm!

As you see the speakers at the GHPB’s Commerce Club Luncheons bring an informative talk to all that attend.  It was announced at the luncheon today, the next Commerce Club Luncheon is June 12, 2025, at 11 a.m.  The guest speaker at the next luncheon hasn’t been announced, yet!  We will try and keep you informed of anything we learn.  Please check out the website, if you would like to learn more on the lunches or any of their other events.  Events- Greater Houston Port Bureau.

If you would like help in figuring out how to get your product moving with less of a carbon footprint, contact us via the email on the Blog or give us a call: 281-901-5554.  Check out our ESC website!

Have a relaxing evening.

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