Investing in a Cleaner Future
For more than 20 years, TOTE Group and its operating companies have been committed to care for the environment. Through innovative initiatives and strategic investments in state of the art technology, we strive to support the environment and communities we serve and make an impactful difference for a cleaner tomorrow.
TOTE Group’s maritime, terminal and services companies have invested millions of dollars throughout our operations to minimize our collective impact on the environment including the air we breathe and the waters we sail.
Equipment Improvements
Since 2011, TOTE Maritime Alaska has invested more than $28 million improving the fuel efficiency and reducing emissions of its shoreside fleet. This includes new hustlers, gensets, reefers and reefer trailers all used to transport goods to and from Alaska and Puerto Rico.
In 2019 TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico updated its fleet to NaturaLINE® containers and the CoolConnect tracking system. The Carrier’s(R) NaturaLINE(R) unit, uses natural refrigerant CO2, which can reduce carbon dioxide emissions compared to units using synthetic refrigerant, limiting its impact on the environment. TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico is the first carrier in the Puerto Rico trade to utilize NaturaLINE, PrimeLINE and Daikin containers in their reefer fleet.
Cold Ironing Shore Power
In 2010, TOTE Maritime Alaska completed a $2.7 million shore power project – also known as cold ironing in the maritime industry – to supply electricity to dockside vessels and reduce reliance upon shipboard generators.
As a result, diesel and greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by 2,600 tons annually – the equivalent of removing more than 600 cars from the road each year. TOTE Maritime Alaska invested $1.2 million and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provided an additional $1.5 million. The project was part of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy and created 50 family wage jobs during construction.
Emission Control
The International Maritime Organization designated the coastlines of North America as an Emission Control Area in 2010, imposing new emissions standards on the shipping industry.
Rather than doing the bare minimum to meet the new standards, TOTE Group subsidiaries saw this as an opportunity to be the first movers in the industry by investing in liquefied natural gas (LNG) engine technology for its fleet.
Building LNG for Puerto Rico
In 2015, TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico launched the world’s first LNG powered container ship, the Isla Bella and in 2016, the Perla Del Caribe. Today these two purpose built vessels serve the Puerto Rico trade.
These Marlin Class ships are the most advanced, environmentally responsible vessels of their kind – reducing vessel sulfur emissions, particulate matter and nitrogen oxide.
Bringing LNG Power to Alaska
TOTE Maritime Alaska is driving innovation in the Alaska trade with converting both of its ORCA Class ships, the Midnight Sun and North Star, to LNG power in 2023.
This historical project is the first conversion of this scale in North America and will significantly reduce emissions of both the Midnight Sun and North Star – vessels that were custom built for Alaska.
MARITIME INITIATIVES
TOTE Group’s maritime companies lead the industry in environmental commitment and investment. From the custom built vessels that serve Alaska and Puerto Rico, designed to reduce air pollution and other environmental impacts to shoreside and community investments, TOTE Group’s maritime companies is dedicated to a better tomorrow.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions
Through use of LNG as maritime fuel.
Cleaner Air For Local Communities
Eliminate Sox, drastically reduce particulate matter.
Community Support
For environmental initiatives.
Improved Water Quality
Through industrial rain garden initiatives.
TERMINAL INITIATIVES
TOTE Group’s terminal companies are focused on efficient operations that reduce tailpipe emissions and support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Through investments in new equipment and strategic community partnerships, our terminal companies lead the way in environmental innovation.
Reduced Idle Time and Congestion
For cleaner air and reduced carbon footprint.
High Efficiency Machinery
For cargo operations.
Reducing Waste Through Recycling
and sustainable purchasing practices.
Investing In Electric Vehicles
Grants and company investments will reduce air emissions.
Community First
Our environmental and community initiatives go hand in hand.
Environmental Certifications
Green Marine’s North American environmental certification program is celebrating its 15th year as a voluntary effort by the shipping industry to go beyond regulations.
There are currently more than 187 shipowners, port authorities, terminal operators, and shipyard managers throughout Canada and the United States participating in the program.
TOTE Maritime and Terminal companies enrolled in Green Marine and completed the external verification in 2024 and internal audit in 2025 receiving Green Marine certification both years. TOTE Maritime Companies are the only Green Marine members in the Puerto Rico and Alaska trades. TOTE will continue to seek improvements in all aspects of its maritime and terminal operations.
TOTE Group’s Environmental Timeline
2011
First to build an industrial rain garden in South Puget Sound with almost 600 native plants designed to filter heavy metals in stormwater.
2015
World’s first LNG dual-powered container vessels launched serving Puerto Rico.
2019
TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico invests in NaturaLine Refrigeration Units: the industry’s only natural refrigerant-based system.
2021
JAX LNG and TOTE Services conduct their first ship-to-ship bunkering of a foreign-flagged vessel at JaxPort.
2022
TOTE receives the certificate of recognition from Quiet Sound Voluntary Vessel Slow-down, our participation protected habitats and reduced underwater noise.
2023
TOTE completes the first North American conversion of a vessel to enable the use of LNG for its vessels serving Alaska.
