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 Rico
Saltchuk 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.
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.”
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.
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
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.
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.
Miami warehouse team drives cultural transformation through leadership and listening
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.
Local Alaska truck driver Johnny U leads by example
Known for his dedication and expertise, John “Johnny U” Unutoa has been an essential part of Carlile Transportationfor over 20 years. Starting in the warehouse and moving into driving, Johnny now plays a key role shuttling freight for TOTE’s twice-weekly runs.
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.
Young Brothers invests over $45 million to enhance reliability of interisland shipping
On October 3, Young Brothers christened the Kalohi and Nāulu, two brand-new barges set to enter service in late December. These state-of-the-art vessels are part of a $49M investment to improve the efficiency and resilience of YB’s interisland shipping services. Kalohi will serve smaller ports like Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i, and Nāulu, YB’s largest barge yet, will boost cargo capacity across all islands.
In late August, Saltchuk’s leadership team traveled to Tampa, FL to welcome Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) to our family of companies. The acquisition closed July 10, adding Energy Shipping to Saltchuk’s diversified portfolio, and OSG as a seventh stand-alone business unit.
OSG is a leading provider of energy transportation services with a fleet of 21 U.S. flagged company-owned and operated vessels.
Saltchuk Safety Awards honor innovation and commitment to our first core value
2024 Michael D. Garvey Award for Distinguished Service in Safety
Aldin Estencion, Hostler, Carlile Transportation
A daily stretching program started five years ago at Carlile has helped to nearly eliminate soft tissue injuries, but these programs don’t happen without consistent champions. “Aldin has been a model employee for safety and reliability,” his nominator says. “He continues to be a great asset to Carlile and all of the employees around him.”
2024 President’s Award for Safety Innovation
George Salazar, Senior Cargo Handling (and Hazmat) Specialist, Tropical Shipping
George’s proactive response to a near-miss situation, where cargo was improperly secured, led to a significant safety innovation at Tropical Shipping. His creation of a flatrack inspection depot and his dedication to training a new crew have greatly enhanced safety for all.
2024 Honorable Mentions:
Michael Correa, Mechanic Crew Chief, Aloha Tech Ops
Sal Griffith, Operations Manager, St. Thomas, Tropical Shipping
Saltchuk photo contest winners capture “A day in the life”
Leadership Transitions
Saltchuk’s commitment to long-term sustainability includes thoughtful succession planning and leadership development initiatives. This year, Saltchuk companies celebrated several notable leadership transitions, a testament to its commitment to growing and developing its next generation of leaders.
Saltchuk Aviation President & CEO Betsy Seaton announced her retirement at the end of the year and promoted Saltchuk Aviation COO Mike Thompson to President & CEO.
Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) CEO Sam Norton announced that Tim DiPietropolo, Tropical Shipping Vice President of Operations and Marine, was to join OSG as President & Chief Operating Officer in September.
Tropical Shipping Jeff Fiser announced his retirement in July, promoting Tropical President Tim Martin to President & CEO.
Tropical celebrates 10 years with Saltchuk
Tropical Shipping celebrated 10 years as a member of the Saltchuk family of companies with an all-company lunch on September 6 at the Port of Palm Beach.
Saltchuk primary shareholder, Nicole Engle, and Chairman Mark Tabbutt expressed their gratitude to employees, celebrating the company’s growth and commitment.
“The common theme throughout Saltchuk, now more than 8,000 people, is that every day people get up, and they are serving others; we are a vital link to the quality of life from Guyana to Barbados, all the way out to Western Alaska to Point Hope,” said Mark, “It’s an awesome purpose we have as an organization… thank you for everything you do.”
Summer Newsletter
We made an error, and you did not receive our Summer Newsletter! Click the link below to read about new tugs for California, Puerto Rico events, Alaska news coverage and more!
Saltchuk is pleased to announce the honorees for the 2024 Saltchuk Safety Awards. Nominations received from across the Saltchuk family of companies highlighted incredible stories of safety mentorship, examples of going above and beyond, leading safety culture, and innovating to make operations safer for employees and the community.
The Michael D. Garvey Award for Distinguished Service in Safety is awarded to an individual who displays distinguished service at a Saltchuk company with regard to safety.
Aldin Estencion, 2024 Michael D. Garvey Award for Distinguished Service in Safety
Carlile Hostler Aldin Estencion is the 2024 Michael D. Garvey Award for Distinguished Service in Safety. A daily stretching program started five years ago at Carlile has helped to nearly eliminate soft tissue injuries, but these programs don’t happen without consistent champions. Each morning, Al, a well-respected 18-year Carlile veteran, leads employees at Carlile Transportation in Tacoma, Washington in a series of exercises designed to keep everyone moving safely throughout the day. “Aldin has been a model employee for safety and reliability,” his nominator says. “He continues to be a great asset to Carlile and all of the employees around him.”
The President’s Award for Innovation in Safety is awarded to an individual responsible for an innovative idea that improves safety behaviors or activities at a Saltchuk company.
George Salazar, 2024 President’s Award for Innovation in Safety
Tropical Shipping Senior Cargo Handling (and Hazmat) Specialist George Salazar is the 2024 President’s Award for Safety Innovation honoree. After witnessing a near-miss situation in which cargo wasn’t properly secured on a flatrack container, George took action. “Loading flatracks entails many risks — for the person loading, for the drivers and for everyone on the highway daily,” he said. To ensure safety for all parties, he used a 40-foot shipping container to create a flatrack inspection depot at the Miami warehouse. Inside, he stored tools — chains, cutters, straps, measuring poles and more — that he needed to ensure each flatrack load was secure and would pass inspection. George went beyond just creating the depot, he volunteered to work nights, training a new crew and ensuring processes and safety were consistent across the team.
2024 Honorable Mentions:
Michael Correa, Mechanic Crew Chief, Aloha Tech Ops
Sal Griffith, Operations Manager, St. Thomas, Tropical Shipping
Ronald Rodriguez, Cargo Operations Manager, TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico
Scott Jason, Manager, Marine Operations, Vineyard Wind, Foss Offshore Wind
Blair Teddy, Port Captain, Pacific Northwest, Foss Maritime
Nathan White, Assistant Foreman, TOTE Services
Donell Wilson, 289 Mechanic, TOTE Maritime Alaska
Congratulations to Aldin and George and thank you to all the 2024 nominees for making Saltchuk companies safe workplaces. This fall, People of Saltchuk will feature the stand-out achievement of the 2024 honorees.
For information regarding Saltchuk’s safety awards program, contact Saltchuk Head of Safety Michiel Versteeg, , or Communications Director, Emily Reiter,
Giving of time, talent, and treasure in the communities that support our employees and businesses is a value the founding members of Saltchuk shared, and one that has become a cornerstone of our family business.
We are proud that in 2020, during an extraordinary year of challenge for so many, Saltchuk companies provided almost $4M million in grants, in-kind freight transportation, and employee-matching contributions in our communities.
In 2020, Saltchuk matched employee donations of $187,000 and gave another $1.76 million in cash grants through individual operating companies and Saltchuk Regional Giving Committees in Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, and Florida/the Caribbean. Our Regional Giving Program expanded its usual support of youth development and postsecondary education to include emergent needs such as food security, housing, and healthcare insurance related to the COVID-19 crisis. Our companies provided nearly $2 million in in-kind transportation for emergency supplies, recycling, food bank donations, and other community programs. Whether focused on health, the environment, social services, the arts, youth, and/or education, Saltchuk companies intend for their gifts to build capacity and resiliency in our communities.
As shareholders, we set a minimum target for community giving to ensure consistency and accountability to our value of giving back. As we reflect on the last year, we want to express our appreciation and gratitude to the communities and employees who support our family of companies. We hope this report provides a sense of ownership and pride, reflecting the values we share and the commitment we as shareholders feel to our communities.
Paramaribo, Suriname – Tropical Shipping has announced it will serve the Port of Paramaribo with once-weekly sailings beginning May 14. The new eight-day transit will be the fastest service between Florida and Suriname. Tropical will ship everything from small packages to refrigerated cargo, dry goods, building supplies and vehicles. Based in South Florida, Tropical has served The Bahamas and Caribbean, including Guyana, for more than 50 years and added Belize to its ports of call in 2019.
“Moving into the Suriname market is a natural fit for Tropical,” said Tropical Shipping Assistant Vice President Mark Lopez. “It enables us to integrate our Caricom neighbor into Tropical’s network for inter-island commerce and provide an on-time, reliable supply chain to Suriname from the U.S. and Canada.”
Tropical Shipping uses state-of-the-art technology that allows customers to track their cargo for the entire journey, including at sea. Tropical is known for its on-time service and good communication with its business partners, something those customers have come to depend on.
“When you’re in the food business, you need a carrier that’s reliable,” said Willie Hamed, owner of Plaza Extra, one of the largest grocery store chains on St. Thomas and St. Croix. “We need to get fresh produce, meat, milk and other items consistently, and Tropical has provided us excellent service for more than 30 years. If there’s a delay on the mainland, they let us know, so we can plan for that. We couldn’t do what we do without them.”
Southbound service to Suriname will depart the Port of Palm Beach every Thursday and arrive in Paramaribo each Friday of the following week. The northbound 11-day service will depart Suriname on Friday and arrive in the U.S. on a Tuesday. Tropical has retained Best Maritime Services as its Suriname agent.
Giving of time, talent, and treasure in the communities that support our employees and businesses is a value the founding members of Saltchuk shared, and one that has become a cornerstone of our family business.