TOTE Rebrands Operating Companies

U.S. Jones Act carrier TOTE has decided to rename its operating company Sea Star Line, which serves Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, as well as Totem Ocean Trailer Express, serving the Alaska market, which will now be known collectively as TOTE Maritime.

The rebrand coincides with TOTE’s 40th anniversary, and the move is expected to strengthen the brand. It also happened as Jacksonville’s TOTE Maritime prepares to receive the world’s first LNG-powered container ship – the 3,100 TEU Isla Bella – which will be employed on TOTE’s Puerto Rico service later this year.

The second LNG boxship in the series – the Perla del Caribe – which was recently launched at NASSCO’s San Diego shipyard, is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2016 and enter the same service as her sister ship.

These 764-foot long Marlin-class container ships are the largest dry cargo ship of any kind in the world powered by LNG.

“TOTE’s Puerto Rico service is preparing to welcome the world’s first natural gas powered containerships,” said Tim Nolan, President of Sea Star Line.

“This is a key component of the TOTE LNG strategy and is a reflection of our commitment to the island and the communities we serve. The shift to TOTE Maritime enables us to highlight the changes we are making nationally.”