In a momentous celebration aboard Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2, the Eighth Annual Samuel Cunard Prize for Vision, Courage, and Creativity was awarded to Blair McKeil on Wednesday, September 25. The prestigious accolade was presented in the historic port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with a gathering of local dignitaries, maritime leaders, and Queen Mary 2 officers joining in the honour.
The Samuel Cunard Prize was established in 2015 by Cunard, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and the Canadian Maritime Heritage Foundation to commemorate Cunard's 175th Anniversary in the birthplace of its founder, Sir Samuel Cunard. The award recognises individuals who embody the visionary, courageous, and creative spirit that Cunard exemplified throughout his life. Past recipients include notable figures such as Jim Irving, John Risley, Paul Martin, Ken Rowe, Zita Cobb, Scott McCrea, and Fred Smithers, each of whom has made significant contributions to the maritime industry.
Blair McKeil, Vice Chairman of McKeil Marine Limited, is the latest honouree of this esteemed prize. McKeil Marine, a family-owned business established over 68 years ago, has grown under Blair's dynamic leadership from a tug and barge company to one of Canada’s premier marine service providers. Specialising in marine transportation and complex marine project solutions, McKeil Marine employs over 400 skilled sailing and shore-based crew members and continues to expand under the new ownership of Astatine Investment Partners.
Blair's journey with McKeil Marine began at a young age, eventually rising to President at just 32 years old in 1992. He served as President until 2010, then as CEO and Chairman from 2002 to 2016, and subsequently as Vice Chairman from 2016 onwards. His vision, courage, and creative leadership have been pivotal in driving the company’s growth and innovation, fostering new enterprises and opportunities within the organisation.
An integral part of Blair’s legacy is his unwavering dedication to giving back to the communities where McKeil Marine operates. He has been instrumental in creating a culture of caring and respect among all employees, ensuring that the company not only thrives commercially but also contributes positively to the societal fabric. Blair’s efforts in community engagement and employee welfare exemplify the values that the Samuel Cunard Prize seeks to honour.
Expressing his gratitude, Blair McKeil stated, "I am humbled by this prestigious award and graciously accept it on behalf of my family and the men and women I've been fortunate enough to work beside throughout my career in the marine industry. Having the courage to be vulnerable and to take risks is what drives vision and creativity. Samuel Cunard's legacy is an inspiration – his vision, courage and creativity set forth a culture of excellence and today the Cunard name is synonymous with delivering unforgettable customer experiences. It is truly an honour to be recognised by this world-class company, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Canadian Maritime Heritage Foundation."
Matt Gleaves, VP Commercial for Cunard North America, shared his sentiments: "It's an honour to present Blair McKeil with this prestigious award. Blair has dedicated his life to Canada's maritime industry and his family business, consistently demonstrating unwavering commitment to its people, its customers, and the communities it serves. He exemplifies the values of Samuel Cunard, and in our founder's ancestral home, it is a privilege for us to bestow this recognition upon Mr. McKeil."
The Samuel Cunard Prize not only celebrates individual excellence but also highlights the enduring legacy of Sir Samuel Cunard. Cunard's vision laid the foundation for modern maritime travel, emphasising quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. By honouring leaders like Blair McKeil, Cunard and its partners ensure that these foundational values continue to inspire and shape the future of the maritime industry.
Under Blair McKeil’s leadership, McKeil Marine has not only expanded its service offerings but also enhanced its operational excellence. The company's focus on innovative marine solutions and sustainable practices has set new benchmarks in the industry. McKeil Marine’s projects often involve complex logistics and require a high degree of expertise, reflecting the company's commitment to excellence and reliability.
Blair’s strategic vision has positioned McKeil Marine as a leader in the marine transportation sector, enabling the company to take on more significant and sophisticated projects. His ability to navigate the challenges of the maritime industry with resilience and creativity has been a key factor in the company's sustained growth and success.
Blair McKeil’s influence extends beyond his professional achievements. He is a mentor and role model for the next generation of maritime leaders, fostering a spirit of innovation and integrity within the industry. His dedication to nurturing talent and promoting professional development ensures that McKeil Marine remains at the forefront of maritime advancements.
The awarding of the Samuel Cunard Prize to Blair McKeil is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the maritime industry. His visionary leadership, courageous initiatives, and creative problem-solving have not only propelled McKeil Marine to new heights but have also left an indelible mark on the communities and individuals he has touched along the way.
At S.W. Black Travel, we celebrate Blair McKeil’s achievements and his enduring legacy in the maritime world. His story is one of dedication, passion, and excellence, embodying the very essence of what the Samuel Cunard Prize stands for. Book a call with us now to learn more about how you can embark on your own exceptional maritime journey, inspired by leaders like Blair McKeil.