The Savannah Ocean Exchange, which is committed to finding solutions which inspire action to protect the globes' oceans, announced today that the 2012 purse for awards to competitors submitting practical and implementable solutions has doubled to US $200,000.  Thanks to the continuing sponsorship of Gulfstream Aerospace and with the addition of new sponsor Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, two prizes, each worth US $100,000 will be awarded.  Interested competitors may submit their actionable solutions at www.savannahoceanexchange.org, between February 1 and 11:59 p.m. (GMT) May 1, 2012, for preliminary review. Winners will be announced at The Savannah Ocean Solutions Exchange in Savannah, GA., September 19-22, 2012.

In 2011 more than 60 competitors from North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East submitted entries. The winner, The Wave-Glider from Sunnyvale, CA-based Liquid Robotics, featured a revolutionary surface vehicle which uses the energy from wave motion to propel itself, thereby requiring no fossil fuel whatsoever. The Wave-Glider has been deployed on research missions exceeding well over 100,000 nautical miles since 2008.

The theme for the 2012 competition is Leap to Zero+, which encourages all people to generate economic growth and increased productivity while reducing, ideally to zero, the use of non-renewable resources and waste which pollutes our oceans.

In 2012 there are two Solution submission categories. Entrants will choose one of the following categories to compete in: (1) Monetary Awards and (2) Excellence Awards. Solution Creators in need of financial support can submit Solutions to compete to be one of the top 15 solutions selected to present and be showcased at the Solutions Exchange where invited delegates will select the winners of the Gulfstream Navigator Award US $100,000 and Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics Orcelle Award US $100,000. Corporations and organizations that wish to showcase their best in class solutions can apply and compete to be one of 50 to display in our LEAP TO ZERO⁺ Showcase.  The top eight Solutions selected by the global review panel will receive Excellence Awards and be invited to present at the Solutions Exchange.

A global solutions review panel of multi-disciplinary experts will review all applications passing pre-screening.  Finalists will present to a distinguished gathering of 350 corporate, non-profit, academic and public policy leaders at the Solutions Exchange.  To learn more, please visit www.savannahoceanexchange.org.

About the Savannah Ocean Exchange

Founded in 2010, Savannah Ocean Exchange unites international organizations across multiple disciplines and boundaries to distribute and adopt solutions that positively impact oceans and ocean life. The Board of Governors includes 27 thought-leaders from around the world who represent diverse backgrounds and expertise and share a commitment to innovation and to the protection of our ocean. The Savannah Ocean Exchange is the organizer of the worldwide network of action-oriented leaders committed to the enhancement and advancement of solutions that will create new industries, jobs and recharge economies. For more information, please visit www.savannahoceanexchange.org.

About Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world’s most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 2,000 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150®; the new large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G280®; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350®; the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G450®; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500®; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550® and the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650®. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®. The company employs more than 11,500 people at 11 major locations. Visit www.gulfstream.com for more information.

About Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics deliver innovative and sustainable global shipping and logistics solutions for manufacturers of cars, trucks, heavy equipment and specialized cargo. The company also specialises in handling complex project cargoes such as rail cars, power generators, mining equipment and yachts. WWL's sophisticated supply chain management services ensure an efficient integration of ocean transportation, inland distribution, terminal handling and a comprehensive range of specialised technical services. For more information, please visit www.2wglobal.com.

Savannah Ocean Exchange, Inc.

Savannah Ocean Exchange, Inc.

Founded in 2010, Savannah Ocean Exchange unites international organizations across multiple disciplines and boundaries to distribute and adopt solutions that positively impact oceans and ocean life. The Board of Governors includes 27 thought-leaders from around the world who represent diverse backgrounds and expertise and share a commitment to innovation and to the protection of our ocean. . The Savannah Ocean Exchange is the organizer of the worldwide network of action-oriented leaders committed to the enhancement and advancement of solutions that will create new industries, jobs and recharge economies. For more information, please visit www.savannahoceanexchange.org.

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