Vela International Marine Ltd. won the 2008 Tanker Operator Award at the Sea trade Middle East and Indian Subcontinent Awards dinner, according to a report carried yesterday by Saudi Aramco's web-site. Talal A. Bakheet, manager of Marine Operations, accepted the award October 9 on Vela's behalf. President and CEO Saleh B. K‘aki said, “I am very pleased that we have again been honored with an award for excellence.” It was the fourth year in a row that Vela received an award as part of the prestigious event. In 2007, Vela received the Safety and Quality award. Previous awards include the Environmental Award, the Maritime Education Award and the Technical Innovation Award. K‘aki presented the Vela-sponsored Technical Innovation award to Eveva Solutions Ltd. The Seatrade Awards celebrate, recognize and reward excellence within the international maritime industry. The awards are judged by an independent panel of industry leaders from across the international maritime industry.