Charles McHardy, Regulatory Affairs Specialist based in London, received the Brazilian Navy’s Tamandaré Merit Medal in a ceremony held in December. Admiral Marcos Silva Rodrigues of the Brazilian Navy nominated Charles for this prestigious honor.
The Tamandaré Merit Medal was established in 1957 to honor civilian and military authorities, institutions, and personalities, both Brazilian and foreign, for services in promoting or strengthening the traditions of the Brazilian Navy, honoring its deeds, or highlighting its historical personalities. Recipients must demonstrate proven competence and precision in the fulfillment of duty; foreigners should demonstrate sympathy and affection toward Brazil and its Navy. IRI’s Captain Luiz Freitas, Vice President, South America was awarded the medal in 2001.
“Since IRI opened in a full-service office in Brazil, I have been helping Capt. Luiz Freitas establish a strong relationship with our client, Petrobras. At the same time, building on the excellent contacts that Luiz already had, IRI has forged an excellent working relationship with the Brazilian Navy,” said Charles. “Through these relationships, I have been fortunate to get to know the Brazilian delegation to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and be involved in matters of common importance to Brazil and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Administrator, especially offshore activities.”
Charles has extensive experience in the oil and gas industry and is internationally recognized as an expert in the field. Before moving to London, he served as Senior Vice President, Technical and Gulf Coast Operations from IRI’s Houston office.
The medal presentation took place at the Embassy of Brazil in London on December 13.
