News

Hyak Supply Chain Now Saltchuk Logistics

June 1, 2020

Hyak Supply Chain, which oversees Carlile and Shoreside Logistics, became Saltchuk Logistics on June 1, 2020. The rebrand came a year after the introduction of the holding company led by Rick Murrell, retired CEO of Tropical Shipping.

“This brings front and center the credibility of the Saltchuk name to our efforts,” said Murrell in an announcement to his leadership team. “Our objective is to continue to strengthen and profitably grow our existing businesses, provide defect-free service to our customers, and add new profitable niche opportunities that enhance the earnings of the Saltchuk enterprise.”

Other than the name, there are no changes to the structure or role of the holding company.

Learn more on the company’s website, www.SaltchukLogistics.com.

Saltchuk companies join the AK CAN DO campaign

April 21, 2020

Saltchuk companies joined the AK CAN DO campaign this week with a $25,000 contribution. The AK CAN DO campaign, partnership for COVID-19 Response, a partnership between the Alaska Community Foundation and United Way of Anchorage, was established to provide support to non-profits providing critical support across the state in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Saltchuk companies’ donation will support non-profits on the frontline of the COVID-19 response and families who have suffered economic hardship as a result of the crisis.

Saltchuk companies in Alaska include TOTE, Carlile, Northern Air Cargo, Cook Inlet Tug & Barge, Delta Western Petroleum, Inlet Energy, Alaska Petroleum Distributing, and Northern Oilfield Services.

“We are grateful for the amazing network of non-profit organizations across Alaska who serve the most vulnerable in our state,” said Dave Karp, Managing Director for Saltchuk in Alaska. “Today, more than ever, those organizations are rising to the challenge and meeting our community where they are needed most. This crisis has touched us all, and we are committed to not only keeping the supply chain running smoothly but to support our community however we can.”

Last year, Saltchuk companies contributed more than $630,000 in grants to Alaskan non-profit organizations and supported community efforts with more than $2 million in in-kind transportation.

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge Growth Streak Continues in Alaska

March 12, 2020

CITB adds versatile shallow-draft tug ideal for Arctic coastline

CITB is Alaska’s Tug & Barge Company

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA– Cook Inlet Tug and Barge (CITB) is adding an immensely versatile shallow draft tugboat, the Bristol Wind, to its fleet in mid-April. The uniquely designed tug will join her sister vessel, the Capt. Frank Moody, in support of the construction, and oil and gas industries’ remote cargo transportation needs along the Arctic coastline.

“Drawing just 3.2 feet, the Bristol Wind is uniquely designed to operate efficiently as a coastal tug. She has the unique ability to lighten the draft when water depths are extremely shallow – allowing her to safely service river and coastal locations that would otherwise be unreachable by conventional tugs,” said Michael O’Shea, Senior Director of Business Development and Planning at Cook Inlet Tug & Barge. “She will safely support projects throughout Alaska.”

Founded in 1924 as the Anderson & Son’s Transportation Company based in Seward, Cook Inlet Tug & Barge is committed to its Alaska roots. “We don’t call ourselves ‘Alaska’s tug & barge company’ without reason,” said Jeff Johnson, president of Cook Inlet Tug & Barge.

The Bristol Wind will join the CITB fleet in April.

With the addition of the Bristol Wind, Cook Inlet Tug & Barge’s fleet has grown to 11 vessels, five of which have joined the fleet in the last 16 months.

“We’re growing our fleet to meet increasing opportunity in Alaska. These investments reconfirm Cook Inlet Tug and Barge’s 96-year commitment to Alaska’s economy,” said Johnson.

The Bristol Wind will be homeported in Anchorage and repainted with the recognizable blue and white colors of Cook Inlet Tug & Barge.

ABOUT COOK INLET TUG & BARGE 
Founded in Alaska in 1924, Cook Inlet Tug & Barge is a marine transportation company, specializing in harbor services and fuel distribution, with focus on the Port of Anchorage and Cook Inlet, Seward, Southeast Alaska, Aleutian Islands, the North Slope, and Western Alaska.

Hiring for the summer season has begun! Openings for Vessel Masters, Mates, Engineers and Able Seamen/Tankermen available for 4-8 month rotational positions starting in April. For more information, visit http://www.cookinlettug.com/careers.

NorthStar Energy Acquires Alaska Petroleum Distributing in Fairbanks

September 16, 2019

Local family business joins NorthStar’s growing fuel network in Alaska

Fairbanks, AK – NorthStar Energy, an energy holding company in the Saltchuk family of businesses, has acquired Alaska Petroleum Distributing (APD), a family owned petroleum distributor serving residential, commercial, and retail customers in Fairbanks, North Pole, and surrounding areas.

Primarily a heating oil distributor, APD also owns and operates a local retail gas station, including a convenience store and car wash. NorthStar Energy has acquired many of APD’s assets and will continue to operate as Alaska Petroleum Distributing in the Fairbanks region. Additionally, APD has moved operations to a new location on 1733 Well Street, a 24,000 square foot warehouse which will provide the expansion space to grow their locally operated business and better serve their customers.

“We are proud to continue the APD brand the Johnson family has built over the past four decades. Alaska Petroleum Distributing is known for their exceptional service and strong reputation with their customer base,” says Don Stone, VP of Supply and Logistics for NorthStar Energy. “It’s exciting to welcome the Johnson family to the NorthStar Energy petroleum group and provide the additional resources that allow APD to continue to serve the local market more efficiently and provide complementary product offerings.”

APD joins Delta Western Petroleum, Inlet Energy and Northern Oilfield Solutions in NorthStar’s network of Alaskan energy distribution businesses. APD’s historic brand will remain in the care of second generation family members who will continue to manage and operate the business locally. NorthStar Energy looks forward to supporting Alaska Petroleum’s ongoing success for years to come.

About NorthStar Energy

NorthStar Energy is a Seattle-based energy holding company in the Saltchuk family of businesses. NorthStar invests in fuel and energy distribution companies in Alaska and Hawaii with a mission to be the vital link to the most reliable, best in class, integrated energy solution, guiding customers to the future of fuel.

TOTE Maritime Alaska to Move its Headquarters to Tacoma in Spring of 2020

August 13, 2019

TOTE Maritime Alaska announced today that it plans to relocate its headquarters to Downtown Tacoma from its current address in Federal Way. The transition will bring nearly 150 TOTE employees to the 909 A Street Building every weekday. Employees of the company are excited about having access to all the restaurants, parks and amenities Tacoma has to offer as well as being part of a growing, urban community.

“TOTE Maritime Alaska helped build the Port of Tacoma and we are excited to be 100% located in the city that has supported our business and growth over the years. We look forward to bringing the TOTE office to Tacoma and are grateful for such a warm welcome,” said TOTE Maritime Alaska President, Grace Greene.

The upcoming move, planned for Spring 2020, will be TOTE’s second location in Tacoma, including their office at the Port of Tacoma, where they currently operate two cargo ships serving the Alaska market. Mayor Woodards reached out to Greene to congratulate her on the decision to choose Tacoma as home base.

“I am pleased to welcome TOTE Maritime’s corporate headquarters and the approximately 150 family wage jobs it will bring to Downtown Tacoma. I applaud the new ownership group for investing in and adapting this important property into a multi-tenanted space,” said Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards.

With historical roots in the Tacoma area, TOTE is looking forward to the office upgrade. Sellen has been hired as the general contractor on the project with Bonewitz providing project management and BCRA as architect. TOTE Maritime Alaska will continue supplying Alaska via their twice weekly shipping service between Anchorage and Tacoma.