TOTE has adjusted the commissioning period to ensure final regulatory approvals are received for Midnight Sun to use LNG and to provide stability to our customers through the peak summer season. We anticipate our single-sailing period to begin after Labor Day and will communicate exact dates for this two-week period when they are verified. Customers can expect their normal single-sailing allocations during this new time frame.
We appreciate your patience and are confident we have a solid plan in place to execute successfully based on this new schedule. We anticipate Midnight Sun will now be on LNG in late September 2022.
The Northbound booking feature on our Customer Portal is now available. For more information about specific voyages, you can view our sailing schedule online.
ALASKA MARKET UPDATE
As spring approaches and the roads begin to thaw, Alaska has a promising outlook. The Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act is expected to bring roughly $500 million in to the state this year, much of which will start moving this summer. This federal funding will benefit all Alaskans by investing in roads, energy infrastructure, water systems, ferries, ports, railroads, airports, and broadband access.
As Alaska’s COVID wave continues its downward trajectory, jobs are expected to recover in Anchorage and on the North Slope. Oil price increases have been great for the state as unexpected oil & gas tax revenues added funds to the state budget. Oil companies like Conoco Phillips posted record profits and growth in Alaska’s energy sector will likely encourage more long-term investment.
Cruise lines are preparing for a potential record Alaska tourist season in 2022 with operators scheduling sailings with the capacity to carry 1.57 million passengers to the state. This means that 2022 could blow away Alaska’s previous cruise season record in 2019 of approximately 1.3million visitors, just two years after no large ships visited Alaska. With the U.S.-Canada border open to vaccinated travelers this year, independent tourists are also expected to drive into the state once again.
Checkout the TOTE Maritime Alaska video that premiered at the 2022 Arctic Encounter Symposium!
No Light Matter
Thanks to tremendous efforts by terminal operations, ILWU longshore, and Big Dreams Transport, TOTE successfully moved the heaviest Ro/Ro piece in its 47 year history. The Link-Belt crane came in at 151K lbs. and was loaded with the help of tracks and creative ingenuity from all involved. The crane completed it's journey from Lexington, Kentucky to Alaska in March.
Arctic Edge Recognition
Last month, TOTE received special recognition from the 2d Battalion, 10thSpecial Forces Group (Airborne) for the Arctic Edge project move. In partnership with Pasha Group, the project included 64 pieces transported from Hawaii to Anchorage. The move took incredible coordination across the organization to successfully meet the tight deadline which resulted in a composite score of 99.4% from the U.S. Armed Forces. Well done Team TOTE!
Glovis President's Award
For the second year in a row, TOTE has received the Glovis President's Award. There cognition is given to companies in the Glovis' network who have achieved 100%on-time status and zero damage over the course of the year.