Posts Categorized: Domestic Shipping
February 28, 2025
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|  | | | Welcome to the Saltchuk family of companies e-newsletter, keeping you up to date on the significant events and achievements that have shaped our company in recent months. |
| | Saltchuk makes 10-year commitment to create and expand transportation and logistics industry education opportunities in Puerto Rico |
|  | (L-R) Dr. Héctor J. Carlo, UPRM Professor and Engineer; Dr. Agustín Rullán Toro, Chancellor of UPRM; Maria Del Mar Rodriguez, Tropical Shipping AVP; Eduardo Pagan, VP TOTE Maritime; Alejandro Caicedo, Tropical Shipping Puerto Rico Island Manager |
| From technical skills to graduate studies: Saltchuk is committed to advancing industry education in Puerto RicoSaltchuk is investing in Puerto Rico’s transportation and logistics (T&L) education through two complementary university partnerships addressing critical workforce development needs. The University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM) will launch this Fall the Caribbean’s first Center of Excellence for Transportation and Logistics (CETL), focusing on advanced education and research. The center will develop graduate programs and specialized minors, conduct applied research in areas like disaster resilience and cold chain logistics, and foster industry partnerships. With an initial funding of $1 million, Saltchuk has conditionally pledged to contribute $10 million over a 10-year period to support the growth of the CETL. At the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR), Saltchuk is creating a Talent Development Program targeting technical and operational skills through enhanced associate degree programs, internships, certifications, and apprenticeships. With an initial funding of $200,000, Saltchuk has conditionally pledged to contribute $2 million over a 10-year period to support PUPR. Both programs will be guided by expert industry advisory boards led by local leaders of TOTE and Tropical Shipping to align educational pathways with sector needs and ensure program effectiveness. The funding is conditional on meeting annual performance milestones, demonstrating Saltchuk’s commitment to developing Puerto Rico’s T&L workforce. |
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| | | Saltchuk honored with dual safety awards from Signal Mutual |
| | Saltchuk’s unwavering commitment to safety excellence earned double recognition at Signal Mutual’s January General Meeting in Austin, Texas. The company secured both the Industry Safety Leadership Award and saw one of its own, Tropical Shipping’s Hector Rodriguez, named Operations Professional of the Year. Behind Rodriguez’s award lies an inspiring story of dedication shaped by military service and tested through natural disasters. As Operations Manager at Tropical Shipping’s San Juan facility, his innovative approach to safety has transformed workplace practices. Rodriguez’s impact extends far beyond his immediate role. As Chairman of the Security Committee at the Puerto Rico Shipping Association, he’s brought together federal agencies to enhance port security. His leadership was particularly crucial during Hurricane Maria in 2017, when his team maintained operations despite devastating conditions. These awards highlight Saltchuk’s success in building a culture where safety isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a fundamental value. As Rodriguez puts it: “There is no greater reward than seeing everyone go home safe.” |
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| | | Aqua Gulf joins the Saltchuk family of companies |
| Last December, TOTE Group welcomed Aqua Gulf and Saltchuk Logistics companies, Carlile, Naniq Global Logistics, and Shoreside into a newly formed vertical, TOTE Logistics. Together, these companies provide a breadth of services from Hawaii and Alaska, and across the country to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. “I know that we are in great hands by joining the Saltchuk family of companies as part of TOTE Group. This is the best place for Aqua Gulf as we begin the next chapter,” said Aqua Gulf Founder Bobby Browne. |
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| | | A new view from the corporate home office |
| | Under sunny January skies, Foss’s PNW fleet moved to Pier 46 from Pier 90 in the Port of Seattle. The move brings the Seattle-based fleet closer to the Saltchuk Marine offices, allowing all Saltchuk companies at 450 Alaskan a front-row seat of the fleet at work. Photo credit: Steve Lorentz, NorthStar Energy |
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| | Redefining government shipbuilding with NSMV success |
| TOTE Services has revolutionized government shipbuilding through its National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) program, demonstrated by the September 2024 delivery of the Patriot State, the second of five vessels. As Vessel Construction Manager, TOTE Services has achieved unprecedented efficiency, limiting cost growth to 1% while delivering vessels in 41 months—dramatically better than traditional government programs. Each $320 million vessel costs less than half of conventional procurement methods. The 524-foot vessels serve as both maritime training platforms and humanitarian response assets. Construction continues at Philly Shipyard, with three more deliveries scheduled through 2026. |
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|  | During its inaugural Sea Term, TOTE was proud to welcome Massachusetts Maritime Academy and the NSMV Patriot State to their San Juan terminal in January. |
|  | Through partnerships with youth organizations, more than 200 students from across Puerto Rico visited the state-of-the-art training vessel to learn about education opportunities in the maritime industry. |
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| | Miami warehouse team drives cultural transformation through leadership and listening |
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| When a troubling employee engagement survey hit leadership’s desk at Tropical Shipping’s Miami warehouse in 2022, it sparked a remarkable transformation that would revolutionize not just operations, but the entire workplace culture. Today, that same facility stands as a compelling example of what happens when leaders truly listen to their teams. The challenge was daunting: high overtime costs, over 50 temporary workers, mounting safety concerns, and a workforce resistant to change. Under the guidance of Miami Warehouse Director Brandon Johnson and AVP Dave Carter, the facility embarked on a comprehensive overhaul that went far beyond surface-level fixes. The results? Loading efficiency doubled from 355 to 725 cubes per hour. Temporary staffing dropped from 50+ workers to just one. Error rates were slashed in half. But the most telling change wasn’t in the numbers—it was in the culture. A facility that once struggled to staff night shifts now receives regular employee referrals, with team members proudly bringing friends and family to apply. |
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December 10, 2024
TOTE Group is excited to announce the acquisition of Aqua Gulf, a leading third-party logistics provider in Puerto Rico and the U.S.
For almost 60 years, Aqua Gulf has delivered cargo for its customers and the people and communities of the island.
“I am excited for Aqua Gulf to join TOTE Group companies. Given our long-term partnership with TOTE, this acquisition was a great opportunity for the future of Aqua Gulf. TOTE Group and Saltchuk are committed to ensuring our family culture and company would continue with the same focus and values that have allowed us to succeed, while also providing a platform for future growth,” said Aqua Gulf Founder Bobby Browne. “I know that we are in great hands by joining the Saltchuk family of companies as part of TOTE Group. This is the best place for Aqua Gulf as we begin the next chapter.”
Ensuring the company continues with the same focus and values, Aqua Gulf’s management will remain the same under this acquisition.
Aqua Gulf will join TOTE Group as part of TOTE Logistics, a new business area. In addition to Aqua Gulf, TOTE Group announced that Carlile, Naniq Global Logistics, and Shoreside Logistics will also join TOTE Logistics as of January 1, 2025. Together, these companies provide a breadth of services from Hawaii and Alaska across the mainland to Puerto Rico.
Mike Noone, Chief Operating Officer at TOTE Group, will assume the role of President of TOTE Logistics, overseeing these companies. Noone brings more than 30 years of experience in the domestic maritime and logistics industries to his new role.
“The addition of logistics services to the TOTE Group companies allows us to offer effective and efficient opportunities for those moving cargo throughout the U.S., particularly in the non-contiguous trades,” said Tim Nolan, President and CEO of TOTE Group. “Mike is the right person to oversee this new venture. His leadership and experience will ensure success for TOTE Logistics.”
Learn more about Aqua Gulf, Carlile, Naniq Global Logistics, and Shoreside Logistics.
September 9, 2024
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg attends ceremony highlighting importance of US maritime investments
Philadelphia, PA – Today, TOTE Services, LLC and Philly Shipyard christened the second of five National Security Multi-Mission vessels (NSMVs), Patriot State, with the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of the Navy, and other key officials on hand to celebrate this milestone for U.S. maritime.
The NSMV program marks a new era in vessel construction in the United States. These next generation ships are the result of a strategic public-private partnership that leverages the design, construction and management of the private sector with the dynamic needs of the US government. The use of TOTE Services as the vessel construction manager provides financial and schedule stability and, in the case of the NSMV program, will result in delivery of all five vessels within six years of the contract award.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro both attended the christening – a reflection of the importance of this program to country at large.
“America is a proud maritime nation, a global power largely because of our relationship with the seas,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Today, as the Biden-Harris Administration celebrates the new vessel NSMV II Patriot State, we mark a new moment in our seafaring history, including the jobs and opportunities this program has created for the skilled workers of the Philly Shipyard.”
Jeff Dixon, President of TOTE Services noted “The Patriot State is the second of the five NSMVs constructed at Philly Shipyard under TOTE Services’ oversight and management. These vessels not only represent a critical US investment in the future of our maritime industry but exemplify what is possible when we leverage the right expertise and resources to the benefit of our country and the next generation. Serving as the vessel construction manager for these ships is a reflection of TOTE Services’ 49-year history as a leader in the American maritime industry.”
“The Patriot State is the 32nd vessel built with a Philly Shipyard birth certificate,” remarked Steinar Nerbovik, Philly Shipyard President and CEO, during the naming ceremony today. “On behalf of our entire workforce, we are honored to provide MARAD with a safe and quality vessel to carry the Massachusetts Maritime flag for generations to come.”
“The National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) Patriot State represents a significant leap forward in maritime training and disaster response capabilities. This vessel will not only equip our cadets with the hands-on experience necessary to become the next generation of skilled mariners, it also stands ready to serve our nation in times of crisis, providing critical support in disaster relief operations” noted Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, President, Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
Following the christening ceremony, the vessel will be delivered to Massachusetts Maritime Academy in the coming weeks.
About the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) Program
The U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) NSMV program is designed to provide a purpose-built, state-of-the-art training platform for the state maritime academies in New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Texas, and California, respectively.
This next-generation training fleet will address a critical shortage of qualified officers necessary to crew government and commercial owned sealift ships. In addition to providing world-class training for America’s future mariners, the NSMVs will be available to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in times of need.
The NSMV will feature numerous instructional spaces, a full training bridge, and have space for up to 600 cadets to train in a first-rate maritime academic environment at sea. State maritime academies graduate more than half of all new officers each year—the merchant mariners who help keep cargoes and our economy moving. Many also support U.S. national security by crewing government sealift vessels.
In addition to being a state-of-the-art training and educational platform, each ship will feature modern hospital facilities, a helicopter pad, and the ability to accommodate up to 1,000 people in times of humanitarian need. Adding to the NSMV’s capability, it will provide needed roll-on/roll-off and container storage capacity for use during disaster relief missions.
Vessel specifications:
· Length: 159.85 m
· Breadth: 27.00 m
· Draft, scantling: 7.50 m
· Total berthing: 760 people
· Speed: 18 kts
· Deadweight: 8,487 MT
Related: https://www.saltchuk.com/saltchuk/tote-services-announces-contract-to-construct-new-class-ships
September 8, 2023
Program designed to provide state-of-the-art training vessels to five state maritime academies
PHILADELPHIA –Philly Shipyard, Inc. (“Philly Shipyard”), the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA (Oslo: PHLY), today delivered the Empire State, the first of five new purpose-built, modern training vessels for America’s state maritime academies. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) new vessel program – known as National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMVs) – was designed to provide world-class training for America’s future mariners and to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in times of need. This first vessel, Empire State, was delivered to MARAD and will serve SUNY Maritime College.
“We are beyond proud to deliver the Empire State today, our first government newbuild in the history of Philly Shipyard.” said Steinar Nerbovik, President & CEO of Philly Shipyard. “We are honored to be trusted with this important project, and on behalf of all of our skilled workers, we are confident that the Empire State will provide a safe, reliable and state-of-the-art training platform for generations of future mariners.”
Philly Shipyard was awarded the contract to build the NSMVs by TOTE Services, LLC (“TOTE Services”), a U.S.-based company that was hired by MARAD to oversee the construction of the training vessels as the Vessel Construction Manager (VCM). The NSMV Program is the first government sponsored ship building program to utilize the VCM model. This model places the responsibility for the selection and oversight of the shipyard on a government contractor that utilizes commercial best practices to manage the project.
The next training vessel, NSMV II, destined for the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, is scheduled to be delivered in 2024. Meanwhile, the keel laying for NSMV III (Maine Maritime Academy) and steel cutting for NSMV IV (Texas A&M Maritime Academy) were recently completed. Construction of NSMV V (California Maritime Academy) will commence later this year with all vessels to be delivered by 2026.
“Today’s delivery of the Empire State is a historic moment for the American maritime industry made possible by the U.S. Government’s investments in our nation’s industrial base,” said TOTE Services President Jeff Dixon. “These investments are on full display as we look to build the next generation of
domestic mariner training ships more cost effectively – and on schedule – using commercial innovation and best practices. We must also give credit to the dedicated and skilled workers at Philly Shipyard, whose tireless efforts in the face of unprecedented challenges helped make this milestone possible.”
The NSMV program is an important investment in America’s shipbuilding industry, which supports nearly 400,000 U.S. jobs. Each NSMV will feature numerous instructional spaces, a full training bridge, and accommodations for up to 600 cadets to train in a first-rate maritime academic environment at sea. State maritime academies graduate officers who manage vessels that help keep cargoes and our economy moving. Many of these merchant mariners also support U.S. national security by crewing military sealift vessels.
Today’s delivery of the Empire State marks the delivery of the first government ship built using the VCM contract model. This innovative approach enables shipyards to apply commercial best practices for design and construction to government vessels. There is growing interest in the VCM contract model and its potential applicability to government shipbuilding programs to reduce costs, accelerate delivery times, and build more vessels.
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About the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) Program
The U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) NSMV program is designed to provide a purpose-built, state-of-the-art training platform for the state maritime academies in New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Texas, and California, respectively.
This next-generation training fleet will address a critical shortage of qualified officers necessary to crew government and commercial owned sealift ships. In addition to providing world-class training for America’s future mariners, the NSMVs will be available to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in times of need.
The NSMV will feature numerous instructional spaces, a full training bridge, and have space for up to 600 cadets to train in a first-rate maritime academic environment at sea. State maritime academies graduate more than half of all new officers each year—the merchant mariners who help keep cargoes and our economy moving. Many also support U.S. national security by crewing military sealift vessels.
In addition to being a state-of-the-art training and educational platform, each ship will feature modern hospital facilities, a helicopter pad, and the ability to accommodate up to 1,000 people in times of humanitarian need. Adding to the NSMV’s capability, it will provide needed roll-on/roll-off and container storage capacity for use during disaster relief missions.
Ship specifications will be compatible with the pier length, draft restrictions, and mooring limitations at each of the maritime training academies.
Vessel specifications:
• Length: 159.85 m
• Breadth: 27.00 m
• Draft, scantling: 7.50 m
• Total berthing: 760 people
• Speed: 18 kts
• Deadweight: 8,487 MT
About Philly Shipyard
Philly Shipyard, Inc. (PSI) is a leading U.S. shipbuilder that is presently pursuing a mix of commercial and government work. It possesses a state-of-the-art shipbuilding facility and has earned a reputation as a preferred provider of oceangoing merchant vessels with a track record of delivering quality ships, having delivered around 50% of all large ocean-going Jones Act commercial ships since 2000. PSI is the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA. Philly Shipyard ASA is listed on the Euronext Expand Oslo (Oslo: PHLY) and is majority-owned by Aker Capital AS, which in turn is wholly-owned by Aker ASA (Aker). Aker is an industrial investment company that exercises active ownership to create value. Aker has ownership interests in oil and gas, renewable energy and green technologies, maritime assets, marine biotechnology and industrial software, and its portfolio includes companies like Aker BP, Aker Horizons, Aker BioMarine, Cognite, and Aker Solutions. For more information about Philly Shipyard, please visit www.phillyshipyard.com.
About TOTE Services
TOTE Services, LLC (“TOTE Services”) is a U.S.-based ship management company that provides technical services and crewing to meet the needs of commercial, privately-owned, and U.S. Government vessels. Since 2015, TOTE Services has overseen construction and management of the world’s first LNG-powered container ships, activated U.S. training ships to support disaster relief, and managed many MARAD vessels. TOTE Services, along with TOTE Maritime Alaska, LLC and TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, LLC, are part of TOTE Group, LLC (“TOTE Group”). TOTE Group is a member of the Saltchuk family of companies. For more information about TOTE Services, please visit www.toteservices.com.
May 1, 2023
PHILADELPHIA – TOTE Services, LLC (“TOTE Services”), an affiliate of TOTE, LLC (“TOTE Group”), and Philly Shipyard, Inc. (“Philly Shipyard”), the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA (Oslo: PHLY), today marked a significant construction milestone at a keel laying ceremony for the third of five new purpose built, state-of-the-art training vessels for America’s state maritime academies. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) new vessel program – known as National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMVs) – was designed to provide world-class training for America’s future mariners and to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in times of need.
The keel laying is a ceremonial recognition in which the first grand block of the vessel is loaded into the building dock. Keel laying traditions are said to bring good luck to the ship during construction and to the captain and crew that will sail on the vessel throughout her operating life. The third NSMV is scheduled to be delivered to Maine Maritime Academy in 2024.
“Today, we reached another great shipbuilding milestone for our shipyard and the NSMV program as a whole,” said Steinar Nerbovik, President & CEO of Philly Shipyard. “At the moment, we have three vessels taking shape in our docks and a fourth being fabricated in our production shops. We wish the Maine Maritime students good luck with final exam week and look forward to welcoming the cadets in a few weeks to see the progress on their new ship and to tour our yard. I want to thank everyone involved in this project as we continue on this exciting new build process.”
The NSMV program is an important investment in America’s shipbuilding industry, which supports nearly 400,000 U.S. jobs. Each NSMV will feature numerous instructional spaces, a full training bridge, and accommodations for up to 600 cadets to train in a first-rate maritime academic environment at sea. State maritime academies graduate more than half of all new officers each year—the merchant mariners who help keep cargoes and our economy moving. Many also support U.S. national security by crewing military sealift vessels.
“Today we celebrate the third keel laying of an NSMV vessel in 18 months, demonstrating the efficiency and success of this unique construction management program that is helping recapitalize our nation’s maritime training fleet at academies from coast to coast,” said TOTE Services President Jeff Dixon. “This exciting moment shows we are one giant step closer to providing the Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) a first-in-class vessel to produce the next generation of maritime officers, engineers, supply chain managers, and logisticians that will help lead our nation in the years ahead.”
MARAD selected TOTE Services to be the vessel construction manager (VCM) for the NSMV program in May 2019 to ensure the utilization of best practices in commercial ship construction. As an industry leader in vessel services, ship management and marine operations, TOTE Services is overseeing development of these new vessels, which will provide a strong U.S. maritime fleet, crewed by the world’s best trained merchant mariners. In April 2020, TOTE Services awarded Philly Shipyard a contract to construct up to five NSMVs. These ships will be owned and operated by MARAD.
“Today as we celebrate the Training Ship State of Maine V’s keel laying, we also recognize her future purpose for both the Academy and our Nation. I thank all who have worked and will work to bring her to completion, especially the team at TOTE and Philly Shipyard. Thank you in advance to those future cadets and crew who will stand watch over her. Today, would not be possible without the incredible support of our Congressional Delegation, especially Senator Susan Collins and Senator Angus King, who have championed this national asset for our Academy and the State,” said Jerry S. Paul, Maine Maritime Academy President.
Congress has appropriated funding to replace aging training vessels with NSMVs at SUNY Maritime College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Maine Maritime Academy, Texas A&M Maritime Academy and California State University Maritime, respectively.
About TOTE Services
TOTE Services, LLC (“TOTE Services”) is a leading U.S.-based ship management company that skillfully and expertly provides crewing and technical services to meet the needs of commercial, privately owned and U.S. Government vessels. Since 2015, TOTE Services has overseen construction and management of the world’s first LNG powered container ships, activated U.S. training ships to support disaster relief and managed many MARAD vessels. TOTE Services, along with TOTE Maritime Alaska, LLC and TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, LLC, comprise the TOTE group of companies. The TOTE group is part of the Saltchuk family of companies. www.toteservices.com
About Philly Shipyard
Philly Shipyard, Inc. (PSI) is a leading U.S. shipbuilder that is presently pursuing a mix of commercial and government work. It possesses a state-of-the-art shipbuilding facility and has earned a reputation as a preferred provider of oceangoing merchant vessels with a track record of delivering quality ships, having delivered around 50% of all large ocean-going Jones Act commercial ships since 2000. PSI is the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA. Philly Shipyard ASA is listed on the Euronext Expand Oslo (Oslo: PHLY) and is majority-owned by Aker Capital AS, which in turn is wholly-owned by Aker ASA (Aker). Aker is an industrial investment company that exercises active ownership to create value. Aker has ownership interests in oil and gas, renewable energy and green technologies, maritime assets, marine biotechnology and industrial software, and its portfolio includes companies like Aker BP, Aker Horizons, Aker BioMarine, Cognite, and Aker Solutions. For more information about Philly Shipyard, visit www.phillyshipyard.com.
About Maine Maritime Academy
Maine Maritime Academy is a co-educational, public college on the coast of Maine offering 22 programs of study in engineering, management, science, and transportation to promote the maritime interests of the United States. The college serves approximately 950 undergraduate and graduate students in career-oriented degree programs. The job placement rate for MMA graduates is approximately 90 percent within 90 days of graduation with very high paying jobs. The college is consistently recognized for providing a high-value education by organizations such as the Brookings Institution, U.S. News and World Report, and Money Magazine. The 2022 Report by Georgetown University ranked MMA #1 among all public colleges for return on investment for low-income students at public bachelor’s degree institutions. For more information, visit mainemaritime.edu.
