TOTE Maritime says its sailing to resupply Alaska on normal schedule

TOTE Maritime, a major marine cargo operator, says its sailings to Anchorage from Tacoma are running normally, and there are no expected changes to its twice-weekly schedule at this time.

The company’s Orca Class vessels, the North Star and Midnight Sun, delivered two full ships of cargo to Anchorage on March 15 and March 17. There have been no changes to TOTE’s future sailing schedule, the company said in a statement.

Widespread shortages of certain consumer goods resulting from what amounts to panic purchasing have raised concerns about how quickly marine shippers can resupply Alaska retailers. Most consumer goods for Alaska are shipped by ocean from the Pacific Northwest.

In an announcement, TOTE Maritime Alaska, an affiliate of TOTE, LLC and leading domestic maritime carrier, also said it has modified its business continuity plans in response to COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus, to help protect the health and wellbeing of its employees, while ensuring continuity of service to Alaska.

March 13, TOTE implemented additional, proactive measures to help protect the health and well-being of its employees and its ability to service customers by keeping critical supply chains open and reliable. These measures include supporting social distancing efforts and increasing measures to limit exposure to vessel crews at sea.

“We understand the concerns our customers and the communities in which we work have about the virus and any impact it may have locally,” said TOTE Maritime Alaska President Grace Greene. “We are continually monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely and remain committed to providing safe and reliable service to Alaska in this dynamic and rapidly changing environment.”

TOTE said it closely tracking updates provided by federal authorities, as well as public health organizations, to obtain timely and accurate information to ensure it is properly prepared to respond.

In addition, TOTE is in frequent communication with governmental authorities, customers and other relevant stakeholders about its business continuity plans should the company need to make any adjustments to its operating practices.

Matson releases statement

Matson issued the following statement regarding the continuation of its service to Alaska during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Matson continues to operate its Alaska service schedule without interruption. Matson intends to maintain all service schedules as normal with two weekly northbound departures from Tacoma; two weekly arrivals in Anchorage; two weekly arrivals in Kodiak, and one weekly arrival in Dutch Harbor. Southbound schedules will also operate as normal.

Matson is committed to taking all appropriate steps to ensure the continuation of services, including the deployment of reserve vessels if necessary to continue meeting the needs of our customers.

Matson is monitoring developments closely and ensuring compliance with all United States Coast Guard and local, federal and international government reporting and prevention directives for maritime operations. Matson also has frequent and regular communication with the United States Coast Guard and the ports of Alaska, Kodiak and Dutch Harbor regarding commercial port operations.