Clay Maitland, one of IRI’s Managing partners, was honored with the 2025 Marlene D. Daniels Award at the 31st Hellenic and Norwegian American Chambers of Commerce (HACC NACC) Shipping Conference in February 2025. Clay is the second recipient of this award, which recognizes a leading personality in the shipping industry. The first recipient, Lois Zabrocky, CEO and President of International Seaways, was recognized at last year’s event.
The award is named for Marlene D. Daniels, a powerful guiding force in the mentorship of young professionals, and, in her lifetime, one of the first women to play a major part in leading a maritime law firm, Seward & Kissel LLP. HACC NACC Shipping Conference organizers credit Ms. Daniels as the catalyst for the first HACC NACC Shipping Conference held in 1994. Ms. Daniels also made a significant impact on the administration of the RMI Maritime and Corporate Registries.
“Marlene Daniels played a leading role in our company’s development. In fact, she is responsible for introducing us to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). She played a significant role in consulting and supporting the RMI Government as they drafted the RMI Maritime Act,” recalled Clay, who worked with Marlene for several years. “As a result of her support and guidance, the legislature of the RMI, the Nitijela, passed significant legislation in September 1990 to create the RMI Maritime and Corporate Registries as they exist today. She had a significant impact on our future, and our company wouldn’t be where it is today without her. I am deeply honored to accept this award,” he concluded.
With more than 45 years of experience in the maritime industry, Clay is an active leader among maritime professionals, serving not only within IRI as Managing Partner from the New York office, but also dedicating his time to industry associations and groups to support the future of the maritime industry.
Please join us in congratulating Clay!
