National Security Multi-Mission Vessel Achieves Construction Milestone with Keel Laying

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PHILADELPHIA, December 10, 2021 – TOTE Services, LLC, (“TOTE Services”) an affiliate of TOTE, LLC (“TOTE Group”) today marked a significant construction milestone at a keel laying ceremony for the first of up to five new purpose built, state-of-the-art training vessels for America’s state maritime academies at Philly Shipyard, Inc. (“Philly Shipyard”), the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA (OSE: PHLY). These new vessels – known as National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMVs) – are designed to provide world-class training for America’s future mariners and to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in times of need. 

“Today’s first NSMV keel laying is a critical milestone in an innovative effort that is producing state-of-the-art vessels in an American shipyard that will both train the next generation of American mariners and provide a new disaster response capability for the Nation,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. “We commend everyone who is working hard to keep this effort on schedule and on budget, and we look forward to the final delivery of the first ship.”

The keel laying is a ceremonial recognition in which the first grand block of the vessel is loaded into the building dock. Keel laying traditions are said to bring good luck to the ship during construction and to the captain, crew and cadets that will sail on the vessel throughout her operating life. The first NSMV is scheduled to be delivered to SUNY Maritime College in 2023.

“As part of shipbuilding tradition, the keel laying ceremony invites good luck in the construction and life of a ship as the first prefabricated block is lowered into the building dock,” said Steinar Nerbovik, President and CEO of Philly Shipyard. “Today, represents a momentous achievement in U.S. maritime education and a significant investment in the local economy and job creation.”

The NSMV is an important investment in America’s shipbuilding industry, which supports nearly 400,000 U.S. jobs. Each NSMV will be built using 7,000 metric tons of steel produced by U.S. mills and fabricated by skilled labor. The first of four main generator engines, manufactured by Wabtec Corp. in Grove City, PA, recently arrived at the shipyard and will be lowered into the hull in the first quarter of 2022.

The NSMV will feature numerous instructional spaces, a full training bridge, and accommodations for up to 600 cadets to train in a first-rate maritime academic environment at sea. State maritime academies graduate more than half of all new officers each year—the merchant mariners who help keep cargoes and our economy moving. Many also support U.S. national security by crewing military sealift vessels.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) selected TOTE Services to be the vessel construction manager (VCM) for the NSMV program in May 2019 to ensure the utilization of best practices in commercial ship construction. As an industry leader in vessel services, ship management and marine operations, TOTE Services will oversee development of these new vessels, which will provide a strong U.S. maritime fleet, crewed by the world’s best trained merchant mariners. In April 2020, TOTE Services awarded Philly Shipyard a contract to construct up to five NSMVs. These ships will be owned and operated by MARAD.

“TOTE Services’ contract with MARAD demonstrates a new acquisition process to federal shipbuilding, where the government benefits from commercial best practices to design and construct vessels that are built by union labor in a U.S. shipyard with U.S.-made steel and U.S.-made engines,” said TOTE Services President Jeff Dixon. “Our aim is straight – we’re committed to the success of this program and to delivering these vessels for MARAD, so that our future cadets have the modern training platforms they deserve.”

Congress has appropriated funding to replace aging training vessels at SUNY Maritime College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Maine Maritime Academy and Texas A&M Maritime Academy, respectively. TOTE Services retains an option for a fifth NSMV for the California State University Maritime Academy, if additional funding is appropriated by Congress. 

“This historic maritime event is the realization of a vision many years in the making made possible by the partnership between the State Maritime Academy Presidents, the Department of Transportation, the Maritime Administration, and Members of Congress,” said RADM Michael Alfultis, President, the State University of New York Maritime College. “I am grateful to each of them for their efforts and support of this essential program that will shape the maritime industry’s future and improve the education of mariners to come. Our cadets look forward to learning and training on this state-of-the-art vessel.” 

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About TOTE Services

TOTE Services, LLC (“TOTE Services”) is a leading U.S.-based ship management company that skillfully and expertly provides crewing and technical services to meet the needs of commercial, privately owned and U.S. Government vessels. Since 2015, TOTE Services has overseen construction and management of the world’s first LNG powered container ships, activated U.S. training ships to support disaster relief and managed many MARAD vessels. TOTE Services, along with TOTE Maritime Alaska, LLC and TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, LLC, comprise the TOTE group of companies. The TOTE group is part of the Saltchuk family of companies. www.toteservices.com

About Philly Shipyard

Philly Shipyard, Inc. (PSI) is a leading U.S. shipbuilder that is presently pursuing a mix of commercial and government work. It possesses a state-of-the-art shipbuilding facility and has earned a reputation as a preferred provider of oceangoing merchant vessels with a track record of delivering quality ships, having delivered around 50% of all large ocean-going Jones Act commercial ships since 2000.  PSI is the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA. Philly Shipyard ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE: PHLY) and is majority-owned by Aker Capital AS, which in turn is wholly-owned by Aker ASA (Aker). Aker is an industrial investment company that exercises active ownership to create value. Aker has ownership interests in oil and gas, renewable energy and green technologies, maritime assets, marine biotechnology and industrial software, and its portfolio includes companies like Aker BP, Aker Horizons, Aker BioMarine, Cognite, and Aker Solutions. For more information about Philly Shipyard, please visit www.phillyshipyard.com. 

About SUNY Maritime College
SUNY Maritime College educates dynamic leaders for the global marine transportation industry, shipping business, engineering, energy, facilities management, finance, the armed forces, and public service. Students choose from 11 undergraduate majors including five ABET-accredited engineering programs and two master’s degree programs. Students participate in 17 varsity athletic teams and more than 40 clubs and organizations, ROTC options, and U.S. Coast Guard license programs. The license program prepares students to navigate, power and operate marine vessels.

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JAX LNG and TOTE Services conduct their first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering of a foreign-flagged vessel at JAXPORT

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Latest clean fuel milestone demonstrates the availability and growth of Liquefied Natural Gas as a clean marine fuel 

Jacksonville, Fla. (February 18, 2021) – JAX LNG and TOTE Services recently completed their first ship-to-ship liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering of a foreign-flagged vessel at the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT). Crews loaded 1,800 m3 (~450,000 gallons) of LNG from North America’s first LNG bunker barge, the Clean Jacksonville, to the LNG-powered vehicle carrier, Siem Confuciu, at JAXPORT’s Blount Island Marine Terminal.  

In preparation for the bunkering, JAX LNG worked closely with TOTE Services to utilize the Clean Jacksonville while also gaining acceptance from the U.S. Coast Guard to perform the bunkering during all potential cargo loading conditions. After loading at the JAX LNG facility, the Clean Jacksonville maneuvered alongside Siem Confucius to perform the milestone fuel transfer.  

The 7,500-car-capacity Siem Confucius and its sister ship, Siem Aristotle, are Liberian-Registered and regularly call on JAXPORT to unload factory-new Volkswagen Group of America cars and SUVs.  

“Our modern and eco-friendly fleet helps reduce emissions while maximizing efficiency,” said Siem Car Carriers President Jeffrey Campbell. “We are thrilled to partner with other pioneers in the environmental conservation movement, including Volkswagen, JAX LNG, TOTE Services, and JAXPORT, to reduce emissions while providing world-class service to the industry.”  

TOTE Services operates the Clean Jacksonville and has successfully performed more than 150 bunkering events for TOTE’s Marlin class vessels, the world’s first LNG-powered container ships.    

“This commercial bunkering is a major milestone for TOTE Services and a significant step toward supporting clean fueled vessels operating around the world,” said TOTE Services President Jeff Dixon. “TOTE Services’ significant experience with LNG – combined with our technical expertise and commitment to safety – allows us to assist other customers adopting use of the cleanest, most readily available fuel for shipping today and into the future.”  

“Some of the world’s most eco-friendly ships call JAXPORT thanks to the innovation and vision of our customers and port partners,” said JAXPORT CEO Eric Green. “Jacksonville is a global leader in the use of LNG and we are proud to support the continued growth of LNG in the maritime industry and beyond.”  

“We are delighted to have earned the trust and confidence of Siem Car Carriers to offer our LNG bunker service during the Siem Confucius recent call on JAXPORT,” said Roger Williams of BHE GT&S, a Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and joint partner and operator of JAX LNG. “By using the Clean Jacksonville, JAX LNG is leveraging the investment and expertise of our extraordinary partner- TOTE Services.”  

About JAXPORT
JAXPORT is a full-service, international trade seaport located at the crossroads of the nation’s rail and highway network in Northeast Florida, the heart of the South Atlantic. JAXPORT is one of the nation’s top vehicle-handling ports and the only U.S. East Coast port offering on-dock and near-dock LNG fueling capabilities. For more information visit JAXPORT.com.  

About JAX LNG
JAX LNG, LLC is a joint venture between NorthStar Midstream and Pivotal LNG, a subsidiary of BHE GT&S, operating a 120,000 gallon per day LNG plant with 2 million gallons of storage in Jacksonville, FL. The LNG facility was constructed to bring liquefied natural gas to the southeast U.S. and Puerto Rico. For more information on JAX LNG, visit www.jaxlng.com. For more information on NorthStar Midstream and Pivotal LNG, visit http://www.northstarmidstream.com/ or www.pivotallng.com.   

About TOTE
TOTE Services, LLC (“TOTE Services”) is a leading U.S.-based ship management company that skillfully and expertly provides crewing and technical services to meet the needs of commercial, privately owned and U.S. Government vessels. Since 2015, TOTE Services has overseen construction and management of the world’s first LNG powered container ships, activated U.S. training ships to support disaster relief and managed many MARAD vessels. TOTE Services, along with TOTE Maritime Alaska, LLC and TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, LLC, comprise the TOTE group of companies. The TOTE group is part of the Saltchuk family of companies. www.toteservices.com.  

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TOTE Services Exercises Option to Construct Additional Training Ships

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Philly Shipyard authorized to build NSMV hulls 3 and 4

Jacksonville, Fla., January 19, 2021 – TOTE Services, LLC, (“TOTE Services”) an affiliate of TOTE, LLC (“TOTE”) and an industry leader in ship management, marine operations and vessel services, has exercised its option with Philly Shipyard, Inc., (“Philly Shipyard”) the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA, to construct two additional ships to replace the aging training vessels at Maine Maritime Academy and Texas A&M Maritime Academy. TOTE Services had previously commissioned Philly Shipyard to construct the first two National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV) for SUNY Maritime Academy and Massachusetts Maritime Academy on April 8, 2020.

“TOTE Services looks forward to fulfilling our commitment to building and delivering these world-class training ships for the Maine Maritime Academy and Texas A&M Maritime Academy,” said TOTE Services President Jeff Dixon. “Having Philly Shipyard build the NSMVs sequentially will help provide stability for the labor force, enhance quality, provide significant cost savings for the government and promote the on-time delivery of these vessels.”

This award will further the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) vision to recapitalize our nation’s maritime academies’ training fleet, which provide qualified officers to the domestic maritime industry. These training vessels will address a critical shortage of qualified officers needed to crew commercial and government-owned sealift ships during crises and will replace the current training ships at the state maritime academies in New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Texas and California. 

Philly Shipyard is advancing design and construction of the first two NSMVs in accordance with plan. The cutting of steel for the first NSMV on December 15, 2020 marked the first construction milestone for this national project. TOTE Services retains an option for a fifth NSMV for the California State University Maritime Academy, if authorized and appropriated by Congress.

MARAD selected TOTE Services to be the Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) for the NSMV program in May 2019 to ensure the utilization of best practices in commercial ship construction. These ships will be owned and operated by MARAD.

The new vessels will maximize the capabilities to educate future mariners by providing first-of-its kind training facilities, including dual engine rooms, a fully functioning training bridge and the latest in maritime technologies with space to train up to 600 cadets at sea.

In addition to being a state-of-the-art training and educational platform, the NSMV is a highly-functional national asset designed to fulfill numerous roles. Each ship will feature modern hospital facilities, a helicopter pad and the ability to accommodate up to 1,000 people in times of humanitarian need. Adding to the NSMV’s capability, it will provide needed roll-on/roll-off ramp and container storage capacity for use during disaster relief or delivery of preferenced cargoes.

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About TOTE Services

TOTE Services, LLC (“TOTE Services”) is a leading U.S.-based ship management company that skillfully and expertly provides crewing and technical services to meet the needs of commercial, privately owned and U.S. Government vessels. Since 2015, TOTE Services has overseen construction and management of the world’s first LNG powered container ships, activated U.S. training ships to support disaster relief and managed many MARAD vessels. TOTE Services, along with TOTE Maritime Alaska, LLC and TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, LLC, comprise the TOTE group of companies. The TOTE group is part of the Saltchuk family of companies. www.toteservices.com

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National Security Multi-Mission Vessel First Construction Milestone with Steel Cutting Ceremony

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Philadelphia, Dec. 15, 2020 – TOTE Services, LLC, (“TOTE Services”) and Philly Shipyard, Inc., (“Philly Shipyard”) today began a new era in maritime education with the cutting of steel for the new National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) at Philly Shipyard. This is the initial major construction milestone for the first purpose-built, state-of-the-art training vessel for America’s state maritime academies. In addition to providing world-class training for America’s future mariners, the NSMV will be available to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

A video of the steel cutting can be found here.  

“This new state-of-the-art modern school training ship will be a tremendous addition to the U. S. Flag fleet, be available to respond to disaster relief efforts, and support about 1,200 jobs in Philly Shipyard,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.

Construction of the NSMV will help recapitalize our nation’s maritime training fleet, strengthen America’s industrial base and directly support more than 1,200 shipyard jobs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“For more than a decade, MARAD has been working to make the NSMV a reality for America’s state maritime academy cadets who deserve state-of-the-art training ships,” added MARAD Administrator Mark H. Buzby. “Thanks to the strong bipartisan support that the NSMV has received in Congress and the leadership of Secretary Chao, this program will further advance excellence in American maritime education and reignite the jobs engine that is America’s shipyards.”

In May 2019, MARAD awarded TOTE Services, LLC, (TOTE Services), an industry leader in ship management, marine operations and vessel services, a contract to be the Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) for the NSMV program. This contract is an innovative approach to federal shipbuilding where the government benefits from commercial best practices for ship design and construction.

In April 2020, TOTE Services awarded Philly Shipyard, Inc., a leading shipyard in the United States, a contract to construct up to five NSMVs.

“TOTE Services is proud to have been awarded a contract by MARAD to be the vessel construction manager for this new, state-of-the-art training ship that will help provide qualified officers to support the domestic maritime industry,” said TOTE Services President Jeff Dixon. “Each of us at TOTE Services is thrilled to be part of this historic investment in the U.S. maritime industry, and are working closely with MARAD and Philly Shipyard to advance this new class of vessel built by union labor in a U.S. shipyard with U.S.-made steel and U.S.-made engines.”

TOTE Services is working with its design partners – Glosten, Inc., Philly Shipyard, and Philly Shipyard’s subcontractors, including the design team at DSEC – to deliver the first NSMV in early 2023.

Steinar Nerbovik, Philly Shipyard President and CEO said: “This is a tremendous honor and recognition of our history of building high quality ships over the last 17 years.  This project begins a new chapter in our history, a new customer and the first in series, which is a challenge we are eager to meet.  I am confident that our workforce will deliver ships that the state academy cadets will be proud to sail for many years to come.”

The NSMV program is an important investment in the U.S. shipbuilding industry, which supports nearly 400,000 American jobs.

As part of the contract, Philly Shipyard will be working with domestic mills to supply steel for the vessels and U.S. manufacturers to provide key ship equipment, including GE Wabtec, a part of GE Transportation, which is manufacturing the engines and generators, GE Transportation for the main generator engine, Cummins USA for the emergency generator set, and Bronswerk for the air conditioning systems.

The NSMV will feature numerous instructional spaces, a full training bridge, and have space for up to 600 cadets to train in a first-rate maritime academic environment at sea. State maritime academies graduate more than half of all new officers each year—the merchant mariners who help keep cargoes and our economy moving. Many also support U.S. national security by crewing military sealift vessels.

In addition to being a state-of-the-art training and educational platform, the NSMV is a highly-functional national asset designed to fulfill numerous roles. Each ship will feature modern hospital facilities, a helicopter pad, and the ability to accommodate up to 1,000 people in times of humanitarian need. Adding to the NSMV’s capability, it will provide needed roll-on/roll-off and container storage capacity for use during disaster relief missions.

TOTE Services has ordered the first two NSMVs and the President’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2021 includes sufficient funding for TOTE Services to order the third ship. Construction of the first two NSMVs will replace training ships at SUNY Maritime Academy and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, which are both more than 50 years old.

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About TOTE Services

TOTE Services, LLC (“TOTE Services”) is a leading U.S.-based ship management company that skillfully and expertly provides crewing and technical services to meet the needs of commercial, privately owned and U.S. Government vessels. Since 2015, TOTE Services has overseen construction and management of the world’s first LNG powered container ships, activated U.S. training ships to support disaster relief and managed many MARAD vessels. TOTE Services, along with TOTE Maritime Alaska, LLC and TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, LLC, comprise the TOTE group of companies. The TOTE group is part of the Saltchuk family of companies. www.toteservices.com

About Philly Shipyard

Philly Shipyard, Inc. (PSI) is a leading U.S. shipbuilder that is presently pursuing a mix of commercial and government work. It possesses a state-of-the-art shipbuilding facility and has earned a reputation as a preferred provider of oceangoing merchant vessels with a track record of delivering quality ships, having delivered around 50% of all large ocean-going Jones Act commercial ships since 2000. PSI is the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA. Philly Shipyard ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (Oslo: PHLY) and is majority-owned by Aker Capital AS, which in turn is wholly-owned by Aker ASA. Aker is a Norwegian industrial investment company that creates value through active ownership. Aker’s investment portfolio is concentrated on key Norwegian industries that are international in scope: oil and gas, fisheries and biotechnology, and marine assets. Aker’s industrial holdings comprise ownership interests in Aker Solutions, Kvaerner, Aker BP, Aker BioMarine, Ocean Yield and Akastor.  For more information about Philly Shipyard, please visit www.phillyshipyard.com.

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TOTE Services Announces Contract to Construct New Class Ships

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Philly Shipyard selected to build National Security Multi-Mission Vessels

Jacksonville, Fla., April 8, 2020 – TOTE Services, LLC, (“TOTE Services”) an affiliate of TOTE, LLC (“TOTE”) and an industry leader in ship management, marine operations and vessel services, has awarded Philly Shipyard, Inc., (“Philly Shipyard”) the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA, a contract to construct up to five new ships – the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) – to provide world-class maritime training for America’s future mariners and to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) in times of need.

This award will execute the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) vision to recapitalize our nation’s maritime academies’ training fleet, which provide qualified officers to the domestic maritime industry. These training vessels will address a critical shortage of qualified officers needed to crew commercial and government-owned sealift ships during crises and will replace the current training ships at the state maritime academies in New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Texas and California. 

TOTE Services was selected by MARAD in May 2019 to be the Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) for the NSMV program to ensure the utilization of best practices in commercial ship construction. Congress has appropriated funding for three ships and the President’s budget request includes funding for the fourth training ship.  

TOTE Services has commissioned Philly Shipyard to construct the first two NSMV training ships with options for the remaining three. The ships will be owned and operated by MARAD. The new vessels will maximize the capabilities to educate future mariners by providing first-of-its kind training facilities, including dual engine rooms and pilot houses and the latest in maritime technologies with space to train up to 600 cadets at sea. 

In addition to being a state-of-the-art training and educational platform, the NSMV is a highly-functional national asset designed to fulfill numerous roles. Each ship will feature modern hospital facilities, a helicopter pad and the ability to accommodate up to 1,000 people in times of humanitarian need. Adding to the NSMV’s capability, it will provide needed roll-on/roll-off ramp and container storage capacity for use during disaster relief or delivery of preferenced cargoes.

TOTE Services has a long history of supporting maritime academy training programs and disaster relief missions in conjunction with MARAD. We are confident in our ability to work with Philly Shipyard to deliver on the NSMV and are excited to again work with MARAD on this important initiative. 

Since 2015, TOTE Services has overseen the construction and management of the world’s first LNG-powered container ships, activated U.S. training ships to support disaster relief following Hurricane Maria, and managed various MARAD vessels, including six fast sealift ships.

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The TOTE group of companies are leading transportation and logistics companies in the US. The TOTE Maritime companies (affiliates TOTE Maritime Alaska, LLC and TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, LLC) bring unmatched reliability and service to their respective markets. TOTE Services offers crewing and technical services to meet the needs of commercial, privately owned and U.S. Government vessels. The TOTE group is part of the Saltchuk family of companies.

Download a copy of this statement here.

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Captain Jeff Dixon takes over as President of TOTE Services

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Captain Jeff Dixon takes over as President of TOTE Services

Jacksonville, FL – Captain Jeff Dixon has assumed the role of President of TOTE Services following the retirement of Rear Admiral Phil Greene Jr.

Dixon joined TOTE Services in May 2017 and has served as the Vice President of Marine Operations – Government and Commercial since starting with the company. 

Prior to his time with TOTE Services, Dixon was a captain in the United States Coast Guard and spent 27-years on active duty.  Most recently he served in command of Sector Jacksonville where he exercised Captain of the Port authority including the three strategic ports of St Mary’s/Fernandina, Jacksonville, and Port Canaveral.

A graduate of the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, Dixon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Economics and later earned his Master’s in Public Administration from the George Washington University.

Dixon resides in Jacksonville with his wife and three children.

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Ret. Rear Admiral Philip Greene Jr., President of TOTE Services, Retiring in 2019

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Ret. Rear Admiral Philip Greene Jr., President of TOTE Services, Retiring in 2019

Jeff Dixon will assume the role of President in January

November 16, 2018 – Rear Admiral (USN-Ret.) Phil Greene Jr. has announced his retirement from TOTE Services effective January 4, 2019. Culminating a maritime career spanning more than 40 years between his navy, government and private sector careers, Greene has served proudly as President of TOTE Services since 2013, overseeing some of the most successful and challenging years in the company’s 43 year history.

“Phil has been a strong and humble leader for the TOTE Services team. During his time, he has built an exceptional team committed to leading and innovating in the vessel management industry” noted Tim Nolan, President and CEO of TOTE.

Under Greene’s leadership, TOTE Services emerged as leaders in liquefied natural gas maritime technology and expanded its portfolio of government and commercial vessels currently being managed by the company, which now includes 28 vessels. Greene has built strong partnerships with the some of the best maritime unions in the country ensuring that TOTE’s vessels as well as TOTE Services’ customers benefit from a talented and knowledgeable labor force day in and day out.

Jeff Dixon will succeed Greene as President of TOTE Services. Dixon currently serves as Vice President for Marine Operations – Government and Commercial for the company. Dixon has been with TOTE Services since May 2017. Over the coming months, Greene and Dixon will work closely together to ensure a smooth transition for partners and customers.

Following his departure from TOTE Services, Greene will continue to serve in a senior advisory role to TOTE, providing his government and industry expertise to the organization.

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TOTE Services’ SBX Team Receives Award from Missile Defense Agency

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The SBX Full Operations Business Administration Team was recognized at the MDA Awards Ceremony by Lt Gen Greaves.  The BusinessAdministration Team Award recognizes teams for their contributions in contracting, production, quality assurance, business, cost estimating, and financial management:

The SBX Full Operations Business Administration Team successfully transitioned SBX to full operations for a 248-day continuous deployment with only days of notice. To meet an urgent request from the Warfighter, the team pulled SBX crew from leave, sent them to the port of embarkation, and made SBX ready for sea over a weekend.  Here are some of the team’s key achievements:

  • Ability to deploy crew with limited time (2 days) while crew was on holiday leave
  • Sustainment on station required an offshore support vessels including finding an innovative way to execute the charter, and in time to arrive on-station before SBX’s food ran out.
  • The mobilization required marine engineering for an increase in fuel capacity, addition of a 12-man bunkroom (shipped across country) and an increase in water-making and food storage capacity. 
  • Supporting resupply and crew change in and efficient and effective manner.

The Business Administration team’s can-do attitude found solutions for each issue as it arose, with continuous measurement and brainstorming to make improvements.  This team accomplished all these activities in a fraction of the time forecast in the past planning, and did it through a dedication to the mission and a huge amount of Business Administration expertise and a willingness to work whatever hours were required. 

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TOTE Services Vessels Honored with Jones F. Devlin Awards

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On June 5, 2018, TOTE Services was presented with individual Jones F. Devlin Awards for 12 of our vessels who have operated for at least the past 2 years without having a Lost Time Injury.  The Jones F. Devlin award is given to those vessels whose “devotion to duty and to the principles of maritime safety, which is worthy of the highest commendation”. 

The awards were presented at the Annual Safety Awards Luncheon held in New Orleans, Louisiana and given by the Chamber of Shipping of America.

Accepting the awards on behalf of TOTE Services and the vessels were Captain John Lawrence (Director of Fleet Safety), Jim Colman (Port Engineer), Joe Kibodeaux (BELLATRIX – Chief Eng), John Fleming (ALTAIR – 2AE), and James Jones (BELLATRIX – Bosun).

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TOTE Services receives contract for OPDS vessels

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Last week, TOTE Services was awarded a contract for the operation and maintenance of the Offshore Petroleum Discharge system (OPDS) vessels specifically the VADM K. R. Wheeler and its associated workboat the Fast Tempo.  Work will be performed at sea worldwide and is expected to be completed by June 2019.  If all options are exercised by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC), work will continue through Jan. 30, 2024.    

 

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