Seafarers-contracted TOTE Maritime Alaska recently commemorated its 45th anniversary of providing service between Washington State and Alaska.
“TOTE Alaska has a proud history of serving the people and communities of Alaska,” TOTE Alaska President Grace Greene said in a statement. “Driven by a commitment to excellence, we have consistently worked to deliver on our promise of dedicated, reliable service no matter how challenging the times.”
TOTE Alaska’s inaugural voyage was made by the Great Land to the Port of Anchorage on Sept. 10, 1975.
In a communication to the company’s executives, SIU President Michael Sacco wrote, “As someone who understands the many challenges faced by our industry, I am genuinely appreciative of your 45 years of consummate service to our fellow citizens in The Last Frontier. On behalf of our entire executive board, the SIU has been proud to stand (and sail) with you for so many years, and we look forward to continued success working together.”
SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez added, “It is a truly extraordinary accomplishment, exemplified by your continued commitment to providing a critical service even during these turbulent times.”
John McCarthy, Port of Tacoma commission president and co-chair of The Northwest Seaport Alliance, told Workboat magazine, “Since its very first sailing in 1975, TOTE Maritime Alaska has continued to focus on providing year-round, reliable service to Alaska – keeping a key supply chain open during even the most challenging times. Their dedication to customer service has allowed them to grow over time – repeatedly outgrowing cargo terminals, but never abandoning their commitment to the Pacific Northwest for 45 years.”
“TOTE was the first marine cargo facility in the Pacific Northwest to retrofit its cargo-handling equipment and to introduce shore power to reduce its air emissions. It was also the first to deploy rain gardens to manage stormwater. We are fortunate to have them as a partner in Washington State,” said Peter Steinbrueck, Port of Seattle commission president and co-chair of The Northwest Seaport Alliance, according to Workboat. “Through these proactive environmental initiatives, TOTE Maritime Alaska’s commitment to the communities they serve remains a key value today as it looks for ways to be a good neighbor.”
TOTE is converting the SIU-crewed Orca-class vessels North Star and Midnight Sun so they can use liquefied natural gas as fuel. That process is scheduled for completion early next year.
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