Totem Enters Into Agreement With NASSCO

Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) of Anchorage, Alaska, has come to an agreement with National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) for the construction of two RoRo vessels for its Alaska service. Measuring 839 ft. (255.7 m), the vessels are scheduled for delivery during late 2002. According to Robert P. Magee, TOTE's president and CEO, "This $300 million private investment will further commitment to Alaskans well into the next century by enhancing Alaskan job opportunities on our vessels and shoreside." "These ships, which carry more than 50 percent more cargo than our present ships, are designed specifically to endure the harsh conditions of the Alaska trade," Magee added. The new vessels will be the same size as TOTE's existing three ships, "while remaining extra capacity to fulfill any surge cargo needs and allow for seamless service during dry docks," Magee furthered.