Port of Beaumont

P.O. Drawer 2297
Beaumont, Texas, U.S.A. 77704

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 1, 2008

WARNER HONORED BY WGMA FOR DEDICATION TO AREA SHIPPING

BEAUMONT, TX (2/1/08) – Shipping, industry and U.S. Coast Guard representatives from Texas and Louisiana attended the West Gulf Maritime Association’s luncheon on Wednesday to honor Capt. Ellen Warner for her dedicated work as president of the Sabine Pilots Association.

The Sabine Pilots guide vessels along the Sabine-Neches Waterway to the public ports of Beaumont, Port Arthur and Orange and private oil terminals.

Among Warner’s many accomplishments and deeds as president, she helped operations along the channel return to normal as soon as possible after Hurricane Rita devastated the area in 2005. She was also a steadfast and influential supporter of the effort to deepen and widen the waterway and enhance its use as a vital economic lifeline for Southeast Texas and the nation.

Warner has sailed for 15 years with her final three as master. She joined the Sabine Pilots Association in 1993, serving as president from 2003 until 2007.

Warner is a graduate of the Texas Maritime Academy of Texas A&M University at Galveston.

Capt. Charlie Tweedel has succeeded Warner as the pilots’ association president.