TOTE to Enter U.S.-Mainland-Hawaii Trade Route

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.”