Ship Management

TOTE Services is a leading U.S.-based ship management company, fully certified to comply with the Safety, Quality, and Environmental requirements of the ABS Guide for Marine Health, Safety, Quality, Environmental, and Energy Management.

In 2023, our team provided limited ship management support for 8 vessels and full technical support for 14 vessels. In 2024 we grew by 22.7% to 9 vessels with limited ship management support and 18 with full technical support.

Experience

TOTE Services has provided the following vessels full technical management or partial management/crewing services during the past 15 years.

Since 2012, TOTE Services has served as the ship operators for Military Sealift Command’s USNS WHEELER, an Offshore Petroleum Distribution System (OPDS).  This vessel can transfer fuel from a tanker to depots ashore from up to eight miles off the coast. TOTE Services also manages the USNS FAST TEMPO which supports the USNS WHEELER.

Under TOTE Services supervision, SBX-1, a self-propelled, semi-submersible mobile offshore platform, was converted to a self-propelled RADAR platform for the Missile Defense Agency. TOTE Services continues to manage SBX-1 under a contract with Military Sealift Command. Management has included taking SBX-1 through the original 2003 conversion process, sea trials, design modifications, establishment of Classification Society Survey Rules, as well as development and implementation of the preventative maintenance system, procedures/schedules, and all aspects of Marine Operations.

TOTE Services managed the technical conversion of MV Pacific Collector and S/S Pacific Tracker, two government owned Tracking and Telemetry ships, in service for the Missile Defense Agency. These ships are maintained in ROS-5 status and have been activated by TOTE Services in response to both scheduled missions and no-notice mission activations.

TOTE Services currently provides ship management services for one Offshore Petroleum Discharge System (OPDS) Tanker owned by U.S. DOT Maritime Administration (MARAD).  The SS PETERSBURG has the ability to carry fuel and pump this cargo ashore from an anchored position four miles offshore in support of the military.  The SS PETERSBURG is maintained in a reduced operating status at the Suisan Bay Reserve Fleet in Benicia, CA as an active participant in the MARAD Ready Reserve Force.

TOTE Services currently provides ship management services for six Fast Sealift Ships owned by U.S. DOT Maritime Administration (MARAD).  The vessels include two ships berthed in Baltimore, MD (SS ANTARES and SS DENEBOLA), two ships berthed in New Orleans, LA (SS ALTAIR and SS BELLATRIX), and two ships berthed in Beaumont, TX (SS POLLUX and SS REGULUS).  The Fast Sealift Ships are named because of their design speed of 33 knots and service speed of 27 knots.  These six vessels are maintained in a reduced operating status and are active participants in the MARAD Ready Reserve Force.  These 946 feet long vessels are multifaceted as each vessel is configured with cranes and side port ramps allowing them to carry both containerized cargo as well as roll-on / roll-off cargo.

TOTE Services is the prime contractor responsible for the maintenance, surveillance and monitoring of the nuclear ship (NS) Savannah.  This nuclear ship is maintained by TOTE Services in decommissioning protective storage.  Our company works together with the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration and our teaming partners to provide ship husbandry services, radiological protection and nuclear license technical support to maintain the license issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

TOTE Services provides support functions to American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) managing eight U.S. flagged, deep draft, commercial Roll-on Roll-off (RORO) ships. This fleet trades globally with primary routes set between the U.S. East Coast, Gulf Coast to Northern Europe, and between Asia-U.S. West Coast. These ships are part of the Maritime Security Program and also support the U.S. Military / United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) as required.

New Build & Major Conversion Programs

TOTE Services provides marine management services, shore side supervision, Licensed Officers and Unlicensed crew members to perform major-conversion and new construction dock trials, builder's trials and acceptance trials for major U.S. shipbuilders.

Tasking / requirements necessary to conduct these activities include the following management and operational aspects:

Initial provision and sundries ordering, receipt and storing

Fit-out of galley, hotel and accommodations

Vetting, selection and training of light-off and trial crews

Management of statutory and regulatory requirements in preparation of trials

Safe operation and management of the ships in accordance with statutory, regulatory and classification society requirements

Emergency response and casualty control

Perform systems activations and testing

experience

We have provided full technical management and partial management for nearly one hundred vessels of various sizes and configurations since 1975.  

Our focus is on safety, environmentally sound operations, high-quality maintenance programs, and achieving our customer's goals.

Over half of our shoreside employees held high-ranking military positions and many more have a significant number of years at sea.

safety

Safety is at the forefront of every decision we make, and every action taken by TOTE Services employees.

Our commitment to safety is supported at the highest levels of the organization, and we strive to achieve an unmatched culture of safety.

Our programs include Stop Work Authority and Cybersecurity protocols. Our Safe 4 Us program supports our focus on Being Prepared; Operating Safely; Owning the rules; and Speaking up.

environmental

TOTE Services shoreside and seagoing teams work together to ensure operations minimize impacts on the various environments in which we operate.

In 2024, Green Marine certified the TOTE Maritime owned fleet, operated by TOTE Services. Green Marine is a voluntary environmental certification program for the North American marine industry. LEARN MORE

technical management

TOTE Services skillfully and expertly supports and maintains ship owner’s interests and property by providing full technical consulting.

Our experienced staff stand ready to assist with specific projects that require the highest level of expertise and professionalism.

crewing

Our seagoing personnel are experienced in operating a wide variety of vessels including ro-ro, container, and special purpose vessels in various operational phases.

Our proven Human Resources excellence and strong labor affiliations ensure that skilled crews are available to operate any vessel safely and in compliance with regulations and corporate policies.

In 2024, we continue to have the pleasure of supporting nearly 500 crew members across our 27 vessels. If you are interested in working with us please email our Human Resources team via contact us.

Procurement

TOTE Services' team of supply chain professionals use a commercial purchasing system to deliver over 5000 orders per year in compliance with corporate and regulatory guidelines.

Continuous Improvement is integral to our daily execution plan. We encourage a diverse supplier base, using small and improve product quality and lower costs, and ensure a healthy business eco-system.

Back office support

TOTE Services is committed to our Four Pillars of service excellence.

TOTE Services supports our customers with a full back-office suite of services including management of payables, receivables, training, budget management, human resources, compliance, and legal services.