News

World’s first LNG containership receives ME-GI engine

September 15, 2014

San Diego, CA – Late last month, NASSCO engineers placed the world’s first dual-fuel slow speed engine into the World’s First Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) powered containership.

The ME-GI engine represents the next generation of technology that will open the door to a cleaner and safer shipping industry, particularly in the United States. Doosan Engine built the 8L70ME-C8.2GI under license from the designer MAN Diesel and Turbo. The engine weighs 539 tons.

TOTE Shipholdings, Inc., a subsidiary of TOTE, is the first company to use these engines in their vessels. The two new Marlin Class ships, being built by General Dynamics NASSCO’s shipyard in San Diego will be used in the Puerto Rico trade and are expected to enter the trade in late 2015 and early 2016 respectively.

“This large slow speed (two stroke) dual fuel engine is the first of its kind in the world” noted Phil Morrell, Vice President of Commercial Marine Operations for TOTE Services, the division of TOTE that is responsible for ship’s technical management and crewing. “Using this engine in our new Marlin class vessels will not only drastically reduce our SOx, NOx, particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions as a result of using liquefied natural gas, but it will also improve our efficiency meaning these ships will require less energy to travel the same distance and help preserve the environment.”

“Landing the world’s first low speed, dual fuel engine on the lead Marlin Class ship signifies a shift into a new era of green ship technology. NASSCO is proud to partner with TOTE to construct these cutting edge ships” stated Parker Larson, Director of Commercial Programs for General Dynamics NASSCO.

Hull 495, the first of the two Marlin-Class vessels being built by NASSCO will be completed in early 2015.

Domestic American Maritime Industry Booming

September 10, 2014

Industry Contributes Nearly $100 Billion to Economy, Supports Almost 500,000 U.S. Jobs & Is Meeting Demands of U.S. Energy Production

WASHINGTON – The U.S. House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation today heard first hand about America’s booming domestic maritime industry from Mark Tabbutt, Chairman of the Board of Saltchuk, one of the country’s most recognized transportation and distribution companies, who was testifying on behalf of the American Maritime Partnership (AMP). Tabbutt told Subcommittee Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) and Ranking Member Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.) that American maritime, supported by the Jones Act, is strong, vibrant, and growing.

Tabbutt testifying before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, September 9, 2014

“Our industry is experiencing an extraordinary renaissance and its contributions to America’s economic, national and homeland security have never been more important,” said Tabbutt. “The largest sector of our domestic marine transportation industry supports our energy infrastructure with the movement of crude, refined petroleum products, and chemicals and has seen dramatic growth as a result of the shale oil revolution. This is driving record levels of new vessel construction orders and deliveries in American shipyards.”

Tabbutt updated the subcommittee on the growth in domestic vessel construction and noted that the American shipyard sector is seeing a significant resurgence in construction for all types of vessels including containerships, roll-on/roll-off vessels, dredges, offshore supply vessels, large articulated tug-barges, and tankers. Tabbutt also noted that the state-of-the-art vessels being built are more productive, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly. America’s maritime industry is also reaching out to hire more veterans, Tabbutt said, through its Military2Maritime program with recent job fairs in Jacksonville, FL and Houston, TX.

Tabbutt talks with Committee Chairman Hunter

“The American domestic maritime industry is doing its part to help address the transportation changes. There are 22 new large tankers and articulated tug-barges under contract, not including options for future construction.” Tabbutt said. “We have inland shipyards in this country that are building and launching, on average, almost a new barge every single day of the year. New tugs and towing vessels are also being built to handle that increased demand.”

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to testify before the subcommittee to share the good news of America’s vibrant maritime sector,” said AMP Chairman Tom Allegretti. “This is an industry that is investing heavily in vessels, personnel and practices to ensure its continued ability to safely and efficiently meet the demands of its customers, as well as the nation’s transportation needs. This is an exciting time to be a part of a very dynamic industry.”

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American Maritime Partnership is the voice of the U.S. domestic maritime industry, a pillar of our nation‘s economic, national, and homeland security. More than 40,000 American vessels built in American shipyards, crewed by American mariners, and owned by American companies, operate in our waters 24/7. For more information, please visit www.americanmaritimepartnership.com

Sea Star Line recognized as one of the Top Ocean Carriers in Logistics Management’s 2014 Quest for Quality awards

September 4, 2014

Jacksonville, FL– Sea Star Line, LLC has been named one of the top ocean carriers in the 2014 Quest for Quality Awards conducted by Logistics Management magazine.

The rankings are based on survey results from more than 7450 individuals in the logistics industry. Scores were provided for five different categories: On-Time Performance, Value, Information Technology, Customer Service, and Equipment & Operations. The scores are presented by individual category and as a combined result that is weighted by each category’s importance – as determined by the shippers. Sea Star Line received one of the highest combined scores for all ocean carriers and was ranked third overall.

“We are extremely pleased to be recognized by our shipping partners and Logistics Management Magazine.” said Tim Nolan, Sea Star Line president. “Our team has been working intensely to streamline and improve our processes to match the needs of the Puerto Rico market. To be honored with this award confirms the alignment of our efforts.”

Nolan continued, “We will continue to cultivate the relationships we have with our clients, and create a value proposition that meets the needs of our customers.”

The results of the 2014 Quest for Quality Awards can be seen in the August 2014 edition of Logistics Management magazine, or at www.logisticsmgmt.com.

TOTE, Saltchuk enter next phase of construction on Marlin Class vessels

July 16, 2014

Engine and LNG Tanks Delivered to General Dynamics NASSCO

World’s first ME-GI engine pierside at NASSCO.

San Diego –  The arrival of the world’s first dual-fuel slow-speed engine to General Dynamics’ NASSCO’s shipyard marks the next phase of construction for TOTE’s Marlin Class vessels, projected to be the world’s safest and cleanest containerships.

Doosan Engine, under license from MAN Diesel and Turbo, delivered the first 8L70ME-GI engine. Earlier this year, Doosan completed the engine’s Factory Acceptance Tests, a culmination of months of testing to ensure compliance with U.S. regulations and restrictions. TOTE is the launch customer of the ME-GI engine, a significant advancement in propulsion technology.

“The Marlin class vessels, powered by Doosan’s dual-fuel engine, will provide the most modern and reliable service available” stated Anthony Chiarello, President and CEO of TOTE. “These ships will increase shipping capacity, reduce air emissions, and ensure a cleaner environment for our workers and port communities.”

In addition to the engines, two 900 cubic meter tanks, manufactured by Cryos, were delivered. These massive stainless steel cryogenic tanks weigh 380 tons each and will store liquefied natural gas aboard the Marlin ships.

“The arrival of the dual-fuel main engine and LNG tanks at the NASSCO shipyard marks a milestone in the lead ship construction as well as a landmark in the era of green ship technology,” said NASSCO Program Manager for the TOTE Marlin Class, Eric Icke. The first vessel is nearly 40 percent complete and the start of construction on the second Marlin vessel in late May means the shipyard and its more than 3,000 skilled workers will be in full swing to ensure delivery of  the Marlins in late 2015 and early 2016.

“These vessels are the largest investment in our company’s history” said Denise Tabbutt, one of the three sisters who are primary shareholders in TOTE’s parent company, Saltchuk Resources. “We have a tremendous amount of confidence in the NASSCO team . . and we are lucky to have such incredible partners.”

For more information about TOTE’s LNG project visit: www.toteinc.com/about/lng

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About General Dynamics NASSCO

General Dynamics NASSCO designs, builds and maintains ships for the U.S. government and commercial customers. For more than 50 years, it has been a vital part of the San Diego waterfront and economy. For more information, please visit www.nassco.com.

TOTE CEO honored by White House as a “Champion of Change,” leading the U.S. maritime industry toward natural gas as fuel

May 14, 2014

WASHINGTON –  TOTE, Inc. President & CEO Anthony Chiarello is among 11 individuals honored by the White House as 2014 transportation industry “Champions of Change.” Chiarello was chosen for his role in leading the U.S. maritime industry toward natural gas as fuel.

Chiarello joined fellow honorees and guests in the South auditorium of the White House yesterday to accept recognition and share insights during a panel discussion titled: “Opening Doors for Opportunity.”

TOTE is building the first natural gas-powered container ships in the world to serve Puerto Rico and is converting its ships in Alaska to natural gas; TOTE is the first in the United States to convert its fleet to liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The experience has been both exciting and humbling for Chiarello, a fourth-generation member of the shipping and logistics industry.

“As a Jones Act domestic carrier, we’re uniquely positioned to create real change in the supply conundrum – availability of fuel is a big hurdle for most transportation sectors to change over to clean-burning natural gas,” Chiarello wrote in a post he prepared for the White House Champions of Change blog. “Our regular service routes create enough of a steady demand to entice fuel partners to build liquefaction plants in our ports of call, thus making LNG supply available to others in those markets. Supply in Jacksonville, Florida and Tacoma, Washington will serve the Southeast and Pacific Northwest with natural gas that can be used for ships, trucks, and rail.”

TOTE announced plans to convert its fleet to natural gas in 2012. Since then, natural gas suppliers have begun creating distribution networks in major U.S. ports, making gas available to all transportation modes in those markets. Natural gas-powered ships will achieve emissions reductions far below even the world’s most stringent regulatory standards. These emissions reductions will have long-lasting and far-reaching positive effects on the health and safety of citizens along the U.S. coastline – particularly in Washington, Alaska, Florida, and Puerto Rico, where TOTE ships are part of the critical domestic supply chain. As the adoption of natural gas fuel spreads, air emissions will be lowered along the coastline as part of the North American Emissions Control Area, and additional environmental benefits will accrue in ports, and on roads and rail lines.

“It is an honor to stand among the 2014 Transportation Champions of Change representing TOTE and Saltchuk,” Chiarello continued. “My colleagues and I are proud of our investments into new technology as a reflection of our commitment to the people and customers of Alaska and Puerto Rico. We’re equally pleased to help move the U.S. toward natural gas as a marine transportation fuel while providing the most advanced, safe, reliable service possible.”

To learn more about the White House Champions of Change program, visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions. To learn more about TOTE and its conversion to natural gas visit: www.toteinc.com/about/lng

Chiarello pictured with Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx.

Video Clip from the Champions of Change Awards Ceremony

  Courtesy of the White House communications staff