MAPONY/NJ announces 2026 International Maritime Hall of Fame honorees

The Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey (MAPONY/NJ) announces the 32nd International Maritime Hall of Fame (IMHOF) award dinner will be held on Wednesday, May 20th at The Lighthouse, Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers in New York City.

One of the industry’s most prestigious honors, the IMHOF Lookout Award is presented to visionaries who have made an impact on the industry and are shaping the future of Maritime. MAPONY/NJ Executive Director Stephen Lyman announces that this year’s IMHOF inductees are a distinguished group of maritime trailblazers, recognized for their leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to advancing the maritime industry throughout their careers:

• Robert P. Burke, Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Ridgebury Tankers

• James A. McNamara, Chief of Staff / Director of Public Relations, International Longshoremen's Association

• Captain John W. Murray, Chief Executive Officer, Canaveral Port Authority

• Ted Tregurtha, President and CEO, Moran Towing

“This year’s inductees embody the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines the global maritime sector,” said Stephen Lyman, Executive Director of MAPONY/NJ. “Beyond their individual professional milestones, these leaders have tirelessly championed progress and excellence, elevating the standards of our entire community. Their influence will undoubtedly guide the course of the industry for decades to come, and we are honored to recognize their profound impact.”

Robert P. Burke is Partner and CEO of Ridgebury Tankers, a Ridgefield, CT-based maritime investment and asset management company. His extensive career includes serving as CEO of Chembulk Tankers, where he led the acquisition and ultimate sale of the company, and as Managing Director of GE Capital’s Ship Finance Group, where he oversaw the purchase, sale, or financing of over 75 vessels. He also co-founded Great Circle Capital, directing maritime investments for a $200MM OPIC-backed fund. A US Merchant Marine Academy graduate and former tanker officer, Mr. Burke also holds an MBA from Columbia University.

James A. McNamara is the Chief of Staff and Director of Public Relations for the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). In a career spanning over 44 years, he has led the organization’s communications under four International Presidents and currently serves as its primary spokesperson. Mr. McNamara also serves as President of ILA Local 512 and has coordinated the ILA Children’s Fund golf outing for 33 years, raising over $10 million for charity. An Iona University graduate with a master’s from Fordham University, he is a veteran member of the IMHOF Executive Board and an "Outstanding Irish-American Labor Leader" honoree by the Irish Echo.

Captain John W. Murray is the Chief Executive Officer of the Canaveral Port Authority. With nearly five decades of experience, Cpt. Murray has held senior leadership roles at Hapag-Lloyd USA, CP Ships, and Lykes Bros. Steamship Company. Since taking the helm at Port Canaveral in 2016, he has overseen nearly $1 billion in capital improvements, tripling revenues to a record $218 million in 2025. A Maine Maritime Academy graduate and U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain, Cpt. Murray is a prominent advocate for the Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program, and has testified before the U.S. Congress on cargo preference and maritime security.

Ted Tregurtha is the President and CEO of Moran Towing, a diverse North American maritime and environmental services firm focused on harbor ship assist, marine transportation, and mission-critical remediation. Over a 30-year maritime career, Mr. Tregurtha has served as President of Moran for 20 years and is a former chairman of the American Waterways Operators (AWO). As Vice-Chairman and a founding director of the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, he helps lead the industry’s transition toward net-zero emissions. He also serves on the board of trustees for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.