At International Shipbreaking LLC (ISL), the world’s leading sustainable, marine recycling company (part of EMR), we are committed to our ‘We Care’ culture and values. This means we care about making a difference to the people and communities we serve.
And, we really do ‘Care’. It’s important to every single one of us that we give something back in recognition of the support we receive locally as a business. We are incredibly proud to support initiatives that enrich lives and help save the planet.
Over the last few years, we’ve donated to worthy causes, and our team at our Brownsville facility have rolled up their sleeves to work on a range of projects.
It’s been heartening to help families and the homeless by donating toys, school supplies, backpacks, linen and food. Also, through sponsoring educational programs such as: FIREPUP, which provides fire safety education material for children in the Rio Grande Valley; the "Newspaper in Education" (N.I.E.) for teachers and students in the Brownsville area; and Laguna Vista's Du It By the Bay Duathlon which supports a local AMIKids at Rick Youth Job Training program.
Meanwhile, our staff have thrown themselves into sustainability drives with the customary EMR energy and enthusiasm – and a healthy dose of fun. We’ve joined several beach clean-ups and sponsored the 1st Annual Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge initiative, for which we helped remove 40 cubic yards of waste from what is part of the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world!
We were thrilled to be rewarded for our beach clean-up efforts with a President’s Volunteer Service Award, presented to us by the Mayor of South Padre Island.
In terms of event sponsorship, we’ve been able to give generously to the annual banquets of the Coastal Conservation Association, who work hard to safeguard the health and conservation of our marine resources.
We’ve even been able to make our mark in history by donating items from our Aircraft Carrier recycling projects to the USS Lexington (CV-2) museum in Corpus Christi Bay. Some are on display as part of a special exhibit.
Last but definitely not least, our Brownsville facility was granted the honor of naming the wreck that was sunk off the coast of South Padre Island, as part of RGV Reef. RGV Reef is an innovative reefing project we’ve supported since 2017, specifically dedicated to creating habitat for juvenile Red Snapper. The wreck was named "EMR - Capt. Berry" in honor of Captain Robert "Bob" Berry, ISL Vice President and his 25 years of service to the company.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, who are always so willing to go the extra mile to help others. We have all thoroughly enjoyed being able to support community needs that make positive change and promote environmental causes.
Most of all, thank you to the organizations below for having us on board. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with you. We look forward to being good neighbors for many more activities to come.
Chris Green, Senior Manager at International Shipbuilding Ltd (ISL)
