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Posts Categorized: Hawaii News

New Young Brothers Kāpena Class Tug Christened

July 2, 2018

The first of four new tugs will soon enter service in Hawai’i

HONOLULU – The Kāpena Jack Young, the first of four new ocean-going tugs that will soon begin neighbor island service for Young Brothers, has been christened in Louisiana. The Kāpena Jack Young, designed by Damen USA and built by Louisiana-based Conrad Shipyard, marks the arrival of the first new Kāpena class tugs built for Hawai‘i-based Young Brothers, an independent subsidiary of Foss Maritime.

“Kāpena” means “captain” in the Hawaiian language, and the name for the class of ships celebrates the skill and innovation of Young Brothers’ Hawaiian navigators and will be home-ported in Kaunakakai, Moloka‘i. The new class of tugs are designed to match Young Brothers’ fleet of modern high capacity barges, and will improve the company’s ability to provide “just-in-time” cargo service to Neighbor Island communities, while enhancing service through lower maintenance down time, better tow speeds, greater operating efficiencies, and lower emissions.

The Kāpena Jack Young is named after Captain Jack Young, one of three brothers who founded Young Brothers in 1900. Each of the four new Kāpena class tugs will be named after an original Young Brothers’ captain, including nā Kāpena George Panui Sr. and Jr., Bob Purdy, and Raymond Alapa‘i. The christening of the Kāpena Jack Young was held at Port Fourchon with representatives of Young Brothers, Foss Maritime, Conrad, and Damen in attendance, as well as Sharon Young, Jack Young’s granddaughter, who sponsored the vessel.

“The four new Kāpena class tugs, represent our future while honoring our past. Once in service, the average age of our fleet will be reduced from an average age of 44 years to 12 years young,” said Joe Boivin, new President of Young Brothers. “The new tugs reinforce our commitment to safety, environmental stewardship and customer service.”

The 6,000 horsepower, 123 foot by 36.5’ vessel is powered by General Electric 8L250MDC—state-of-the-art EPA Tier IV emissions compliant exhaust gas re-circulation engines.

“I’m very impressed with the work that has been done by Conrad shipyards and Damen USA in the delivery of the first of our four new, state-of-the-art, Tier 4 tugs,” said John Parrott, President and CEO of Foss Maritime. “We worked with Young Brothers to research various tug hull designs, engines, and towing equipment options. The construction of these new tugs supports Young Brothers’ in providing reliable, affordable and frequent services throughout the Hawaiian islands—now and in the future.”

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Video footage of the christening available upon request.

ABOUT FOSS MARITIME
Founded in 1889, Seattle-based Foss Maritime offers a complete range of maritime services and project management to customers across the Pacific Rim, Europe, South America and around the globe. Foss has one of the largest fleets of tugs and barges on the American West Coast. The company has harbor services and transportation operations in all major U.S. West Coast ports, including the Columbia and Snake River system, Hawaii and Alaska. Foss operates two shipyards and offers worldwide marine transportation, emphasizing safety, environmental responsibility and high-quality service. See www.foss.com for more information.

ABOUT YOUNG BROTHERS
Young Brothers, Limited, with approximately 360 employees across the state, has served Hawaiʻi since 1900. Young Brothers is a publicly regulated water carrier providing 12 weekly port calls from Honolulu to the state’s neighbor island ports, including Hilo, Kawaihae, Kahului, Kaumalapau, Kaunakakai and Nāwiliwili. For more information and a new website that includes “today’s barge arrivals” visit www.youngbrothershawaii.com.

TOTE Update on Hawai’i Plans

January 26, 2018

Updates required at Hawai’i Terminals would prevent TOTE from entering Hawai’i trade in 2020/2021

Honolulu, HI – TOTE announced today that its plans to enter the Hawai’ian to mainland service are on hold as a result of its Phase 1 technical review of Piers 1 and 2 in Honolulu Harbor.

In September 2017, the Hawai’i Department of Transportation earmarked for TOTE access to Honolulu Piers 1 and 2 and exclusive use of the adjacent 45 acres beginning in 2020, to coincide with TOTE’s new service to Hawai’i. TOTE subsequently conducted a preliminary study of the site’s infrastructure which indicated that upgrades and improvements will be required to accommodate the new operations.

Due to the scope and timing of the ugrades and improvements, TOTE will not renew the letter of intent (LOI) with Philly Shipyard that expires on January 31, 2018.

TOTE continues to be open to working with the Hawai’i Department of Transportation to update plans and a timeline for access to a Honolulu deep water terminal that would allow commencement of TOTE’s service to Hawai’i.

TOTE remains committed to being a leader in the U.S. shipping industry and seeking new ways to innovate while ensuring customer service that meets the needs of its clients and the communities it serves.

Joseph Boivin appointed new president of Young Brothers

December 28, 2017

Boivin, former executive of the Gas Company, will assume leadership duties effective January 22, 2018

HonoluluYoung Brothers, Ltd has announced the appointment of Joseph Boivin as the company’s new president effective January 22, 2018. As president, he will be responsible for the company’s strategy, execution and overall operations.

Boivin most recently served as senior vice president of The Gas Company, headquartered in Honolulu. Under his tenure, he helped drive the company into new markets in gas technologies and renewable energy, shape state energy policy and achieve regulatory and financial goals. Previously, he also served as vice president of operations at the company, overseeing its workforce of 230 people on all major islands managing propane fuel supplies, propane barging, ground transport services, customer service, harbor storage facilities and over 1,000 miles of natural gas pipeline infrastructure. He will replace Glenn Hong who is retiring to take on a new role at Saltchuk, Young Brother’s parent company.

“Joe’s management experiences in utilities, transportation, and customer service as well as his knowledge of Hawaii’s business community and regulatory processes make him an ideal fit for Young Brothers,” said John Parrott, President of Foss Maritime, which oversees Young Brothers in the Saltchuk family of companies. “Under his leadership, Young Brothers’ will continue its ongoing commitment to serving our customers, employees and investors at the highest possible level.”

“I am truly honored by the opportunity to help advance the nearly 120-year legacy of Young Brothers,” said Boivin. “As the leading interisland cargo carrier in Hawaii, I recognize we have an important responsibility to serve as the lifeline for goods between the islands. I look forward to finding new and better ways to serve our community into the next generation.”

Prior to his eight years at The Gas Company, Boivin served as senior associate in the Honolulu office of global management consulting firm, Booz Allen Hamilton. Before that, he served as managing director of the investment firm Washington Capital Partners in Washington, DC; a research staff member at the Institute for Defense Analyses in Alexandria, VA; and a manufacturing engineer at Northrop Grumman’s Dallas, TX facility.

He is also a decorated military serviceman, having served for four years in the U.S. Air Force from 1988 to 1992 as a jet engine mechanic where he earned the National Defense Service Medal for Operation Desert Storm and the Air Force Achievement Medal.

Boivin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Arkansas and is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), a Certified Energy Manager (CEM®), a Certified Energy Auditor (CEA®) and a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic.

Currently, Young Brothers is undergoing a fleet modernization initiative to meet neighbor island cargo needs into the next generation. By the end of 2018, Young Brothers will have made capital investments of over $180 million in new vessels and shore-side equipment. These investments include four new large 11,700-ton capacity barges as well as a 5,600-ton multi-deck roll-on/roll-off barge for vehicle transportation that is currently in service. In addition, in 2016, Young Brothers commenced construction of four new 6,000 HP American-built tugs that are slated to begin service in the first quarter of 2018. These investments will enhance operational efficiency for the company and improve reliability for Hawaii customers.

 

Glenn Hong celebrates 25 years at Young Brothers with retirement and transition to parent company, leading Saltchuk’s Hawaii business initiatives

October 12, 2017

Glenn Hong

Hong will lead Saltchuk’s Hawaii initiatives beginning January 1, 2018.

Honolulu – Young Brothers, Ltd has announced Glenn Hong will retire at the end of the year as company president to undertake a new leadership role with parent company Saltchuk, focusing on Hawaii business initiatives effective January 1, 2018.

“I’ve deeply valued the opportunity to serve Hawaii by maintaining and even enhancing Young Brothers’ 117+-year legacy as the leading shipping company connecting our island state,” said Hong. “I look forward to pursuing a new role with Saltchuk and helping to support its family of companies in the islands.”

Hong began at Young Brothers in 1991 as vice president of Finance and Government Affairs, coming from Hawaiian Electric Industries. In 1992, he assumed the presidency and immediately set to work to infuse the organization with a customer-driven mindset.

Hong joined the Saltchuk organization in 1999, when the company acquired Young Brothers and Hawaiian Tug & Barge from Hawaiian Electric Industries. From the beginning, Saltchuk sought to create a family of companies that were part of the fabric of the community. In the next decade, Hawaii Petroleum, Minit Stop and Ohana Fuels, as well as Aloha Air Cargo were added to the family.

Under Hong’s leadership, Young Brothers has undergone a fleet modernization initiative to meet neighbor island cargo needs into the next generation. By the end of 2018, Young Brothers will have made capital investment of over $180 million in new vessels and shore-side equipment. These investments include four new large 11,700-ton capacity barges as well as a 5,600-ton multi-deck roll-on/roll-off barge for vehicle transportation that is currently in service. In addition, in 2016, Young Brothers commenced construction of four new 6,000 HP American-built tugs that are slated to begin service in the middle of 2018. These investments will enhance operational efficiency for the company and improve reliability for Hawaii customers.

Having positioned Young Brothers for the future, Hong will shift his focus to represent Saltchuk’s Hawaii operations.

“Glenn is not only well-regarded within our organization, he is a valued and respected member of the Hawaii business community. We are grateful for his contributions at Young Brothers and are looking forward to his new role at Saltchuk,” said Saltchuk President Tim Engle.

Young Brothers has not yet named a successor for Hong. Saltchuk’s marine services business, Foss Maritime, is expected to make an announcement in the coming months.

Foss Maritime President, John Parrott, recognized Hong’s service and accomplishments, “We take this moment to honor Glenn – for his dedication, his deep employee, community and industry relationships, and for his keen commitment to cargo services within the most water-borne dependent state in the nation. He has been steadfast in his work with the tenets of balance and justice for customers, employees and investors.”

In his new role Hong will remain based in Honolulu and will continue his decades-long commitment to serving the people of Hawaii.

 

 

 

TOTE Announces Plans to Establish New U.S. Mainland to Hawai’i Shipping Service

August 17, 2017

Terminal space in Honolulu key to TOTE’s plans to bring new environmentally advanced containerships to Hawai’i trade in 2020

Honolulu, HI – TOTE announced today its intention to establish a new domestic shipping service to Hawai’i. The company is working with Philly Shipyard to construct four new environmentally advanced containerships, custom built for the trade. This week began conversations to secure the new deep water Kapalama Container Terminal (KCT) in Honolulu for TOTE, a critical step in making the new service a reality.

For more than 40 years, TOTE and its operating companies have provided dedicated service to Alaska and Puerto Rico. As part of its commitment and stewardship of the communities it serves, the company has invested more than $600 million to convert its ships to run on natural gas, making its fleet the most environmentally friendly in the U.S.

“TOTE is excited to bring our best-in-class service to the people of Hawai’i,” noted Anthony Chiarello, President and CEO of TOTE. “TOTE’s presence on the islands will provide market stability and introduce new environmentally advanced vessels that will greatly benefit the islands.”

Timing is critical for construction of new ships for Hawai’i and a commitment for terminal space in Honolulu is needed to move the new venture forward. New environmental regulations taking effect in 2020 necessitate replacement of aged ships currently operating in the trade. As planned, the new vessels from Philly Shipyard will enter service in early 2020 and 2021, just in time to meet the deadline and maintain trade capacity.

“TOTE’s commitment is to provide superior service for our customers as well as the communities we serve, ensuring that goods arrive on time week in and week out,” noted Chiarello. “TOTE will bring the same commitment to our Hawai’i operations to ensure maritime transportation is industry leading.”

About TOTE

TOTE is a leading transportation and logistics company, overseeing some of the most trusted companies in the U.S. domestic trade. TOTE Maritime Alaska and TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico bring a focus on reliability and service to their respective markets. TOTE Services offers crewing and technical services to meet the needs of commercial, privately owned and U.S. Government vessels. TOTE owns and operates the most environmentally friendly cargo fleet in U.S., including the world’s first LNG powered containerships that serve the Puerto Rico trade.

TOTE Maritime Alaska was recently voted the Top Ocean Carrier in the 2017 Quest for Quality Awards while both TOTE Maritime Alaska and TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico tied for first place in the customer service category.

TOTE is part of the Saltchuk family of companies. Saltchuk transportation and distribution companies operate throughout North America and have served the communities of Hawaii for more than 18 years. Saltchuk companies serving Hawaii include Aloha Air Cargo, Aloha Tech Ops, Foss Maritime, Young Brothers, Hawaii Petroleum, Minit Stop and Ohana Fuels.

For more information on TOTE please visit www.toteinc.com.

For more information on the Saltchuk family of companies please visit www.saltchuk.com.

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