Profiles in Mining: TOTE Maritime Alaska 'Built for Alaska' to meet shipping needs of all sizes SPECIAL TO THE ALASKA MINER How long have you been in business, who founded the company and who are the leaders now? TOTE Maritime Alaska was incorporated as Totem Ocean Trailer Express on May 23, 1975, by Sun Shipbuilding of Chester, Pa. In 1982, eight investors came together to form a new partnership for the purpose of acquiring Totem Ocean Trailer Express and would later be incorporated as Saltchuk. Of the six original investors, four of their families remain partners today. Tell us a little about your history: TOTE’s inaugural sailing to the Port of Alaska took place on September 10, 1975. At the time, we were the largest ship ever to dock at the Port of Alaska (known as the Port of Anchorage). Then and now, our ships were custom-built to serve the Alaska trade with specialized ice-strengthened hulls to operate through the Gulf of Alaska year-around and roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) loading and unloading to ensure we could carry freight of all sizes. At the time, Alaska was the destination of tens of thousands of workers seeking high-paying jobs with the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Alaska’s oil boom inspired TOTE’s entry into the trade and set the course for how we would add value to the state. It didn’t matter if it were high-cube, refrigerated, rolling stock or yellow iron — if it could go over the road, it could be shipped by a TOTE vessel. Our next generation of ships, the ORCA-Class, included more space, more speed, and more redundancies for reliable service, setting industry leading transit times of 66-hours and port turn-times of less than 8 hours. How has the company and your business evolved? TOTE has continued to live by the core principles set in those early days, making strategic, long-term investments in our vessels, equipment, and people. This includes the recent conversion of our ORCA-Class vessels to run on dual-fuel LNG, the first project of this scope in North America. Our core business remains the same, with a dedicated focus on continuous improvement and providing the best customer experience possible. What are your goals for your company, your clients, and your employees? As a critical shipping link across the Gulf of Alaska, TOTE is committed to providing best-in-class service for our customers and the communities we serve. Our fleet of “Built for Alaska” vessels and equipment were designed to meet the demands of the Alaska trade as well as providing fast loading and unloading so drivers can pick up cargo the same day it arrives and get through the port in under 20 minutes. Our goals are to continue to grow and develop our service as Alaska’s shipping company. This means investing in our port operations, developing our team members for success, and building on key relationships in the community and the industry. Are there causes or nonprofits in particular that you support? TOTE is committed to being stewards in the communities we serve. Each year TOTE dedicates a minimum of 1% of its earnings to community giving efforts. $2.3M is donated annually to Alaska and PNW non-profits including Covenant House, Bean’s Café, American Cancer Society, Boys and Girls Scouts of Alaska, and more. TOTE also donates $1.9M in inkind shipping to Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling, Food Bank of Alaska, Alaska Performing Arts Center, and others. Why is AMA important to your company? And to Alaska mining? TOTE is uniquely capable of moving oversized and heavy-equipment for mining projects in Alaska. Mining has historically been a bedrock to Alaska’s economy, providing family-wage jobs and economic revenue for the state. As the voice of Mining in Alaska, TOTE is proud to be a part of AMA and their work in the state. The advocacy and education that AMA executes is a key part of the success we’ve seen with new development in Alaska. What opportunities do you see for the future, for your company and for mining? Alaska is primed for another boom, and we believe that the key to success is building the right relationships in the industry that know how to navigate ever-evolving regulations and policies. For TOTE, this means working with organizations like AMA to collaborate on initiatives and support Alaska’s economic strength for generations to come. And how are you facing the special challenges we are facing this year? Alaska is no stranger to unique challenges, and as an Alaska-based shipping company that has operated in the market for nearly 50 years, we understand that Business Continuity and flexibility are key. This year has been no exception but we’re optimistic about the future of the state and look forward to seeing more projects on the horizon. — Art Dahlin, VP and General Manager of Alaska The Alaska Miner Summer 2023 42
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