Turning the Tides – Industry Leadership & Excellence Award

1 October 2024

By Alexander Chafe, Atlantic Business Magazine

 

While the Northwest Atlantic is rich in petroleum and sea life, its rough waters, unpredictable weather, fog, ice and high winds present significant challenges. Resilience, ingenuity and leadership are essential characteristics for those who toil in Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine sector. They were the inspiration behind Turning the Tide’s Marine Industry Awards.

Since 2017, Turning the Tide’s annual awards program has honoured impactful individuals and organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine industry. Established to support Home From The Sea Foundation’s memorial of the 1914 great sealing disasters, the awards help fund the operations of its John C. Crosbie interpretation centre, museum, art gallery and walking trail in Elliston, N.L.

Recognizing the past, present and future of N.L.’s marine sector, Turning the Tide’s five award categories celebrate innovation, leadership, historical significance, lifetime achievement and trailblazing youth.

Crosbie – Industry Leadership & Excellence Award

Crosbie started in 1900 with founder Sir John Crosbie. Heavily involved in the development of a schooner fishery on the Grand Banks he began exporting fish – primarily cod – on a large scale, establishing trade partnerships in New York and Brazil. He also expanded into marine insurance and became an early agent of Lloyd’s of London. During the First World War, Crosbie served as Minister of Transport, earning him a knighthood from British Royalty.

When Sir John passed on in 1932, his oldest son Ches Crosbie took over. Ches expanded upon what his father’s legacy investing in sealing, whaling herring fishing. To improve Crosbie’s coastal shipping services, Ches worked with Chimo Shipping. He also grew Crosbie’s fleet of vessels, having a number of steel ships built and named after the Crosbie family. He further diversified by adding onshore services in the air and construction industries. His younger brother Percy led the business throughout the 60s and early 70s, further solidifying their presence in marine shipping with projects in the North and Eastern Arctic. Percy was also responsible for establishing relationships to rent Crosbie’s strong fleet of vessels.

Third generation, A ndrew Crosbie assumed responsibility for the family business in 1975. Andrew made big moves in the shipping and insurance side of operations entering the container shipping market and expanding insurance offerings outside the marine industry. He also diversified Crosbie’s services to include construction and foreign exchange. On the fishery side, Andrew focused on crab and pioneered local interest in the crustacean.

In 1991, fourth-generation Crosbies Alex, Rob, Tim and Cynthia took over after their father’s passing. Today, the company’s marine operations are focused on supporting the offshore oil and gas industry, shipbuilding and vessel repair. In addition to its headquarters in St. John’s, N.L., Crosbie has offices in Nova Scotia, and project operations outside Atlantic Canada through partnerships with MacKinnon & Olding in Quebec and the  Mendes family in South America.

Reflecting on the significance award, Rob Crosbie, Chairman, says he’s grateful to see Crosbie’s people and generations of hard work recognized for their leadership and excellence.