TOTE Services, a shipbuilding and maritime support company, is involved in a range of projects focused on vessel construction and alternative fuel development. The company is contributing to the U.S. government’s national security and research efforts, as well as addressing the growing demand for cleaner fuels in the maritime industry.
The conversation touched on TOTE Services’ oversight of the the Maritime Administration’s (Marad) National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV) Program, which includes the delivery of five vessels intended to support Maritime Academy training, as well as U.S. government missions such as humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery. The program has already delivered two vessels, Empire State and Patriot State, with three more vessels under construction at Philly Shipyard.
Christian attributes a lot of the success of the NSMV program to Marad’s commitment to not altering the design after the contract is awarded. “The design is stable...Marad has been steadfast in holding to the design as is, which has allowed the shipyard (Philadelphia Shipyard) to focus on execution and us (TOTE) to focus on quality and oversight.”
TOTE Services is applying its vessel construction management (VCM) model to streamline the construction of non-combatant ships. The VCM model aims to reduce the complexity often found in government contracts by preventing frequent design changes, a challenge that has historically led to delays and cost increases.
Christian advocates for the wider adoption of this model, suggesting that it could benefit both shipyards and government agencies. "We want to see other non-combatant ship types adopt the same construction model,” Christian said. He added that the VCM approach also helps keep shipyards efficient and employed, as long delays atrophy of the industrial base, the VCM model prevents that, he said.
Christian also noted that TOTE Services is focused on advancing LNG (liquefied natural gas) bunkering capabilities in the U.S. The company operates the Clean Jacksonville and Clean Everglades vessels for Seaside LNG and is working to expand LNG bunkering to more ports and vessels across the country.
Christian highlighted the growing demand for LNG-fueled ships: “We see that the order book for LNG-fueled ships continues to grow. Huge numbers of them are going to call on the U.S., but right now, there’s nothing under construction in the country to fulfill that demand.”
When WorkBoat asked about any additional fuels, Christian noted TOTE is monitoring developments in ammonia as a potential future maritime fuel. Ammonia has gained attention as a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels, with engine manufacturers beginning to introduce ammonia-powered engines. “We think that LNG is going to be a significant portion, and then ammonia has the best chance of success as the next step,” Christian stated. Tote is positioning itself to support this transition by leveraging its experience with LNG.
Additionally, TOTE Services is also pursuing a bid to become the vessel integrator for a National Science Foundation (NSF) project to design and build an Antarctic research vessel. The vessel will support missions in the Southern Ocean and around Antarctica, with ice-breaking capabilities and specialized research equipment.
Christian outlined the company’s approach. “It fits into the vessel construction management model we've developed, where we’re in between the government and the shipyard, finalizing the design, overseeing construction, and supporting the transition into operations,” he said. Should TOTE win the contract, the company will be responsible for ensuring that the vessel meets the demanding requirements of polar exploration, including ice trials. These trials will test the vessel’s ability to break ice and activate all research equipment in harsh Antarctic conditions, ensuring that everything works as intended when the vessel reaches the Southern Ocean.
TOTE Services is involved in several key initiatives focused on vessel construction, fuel innovation, and supporting U.S. government needs. From the delivery of national security multi-mission vessels to advancing LNG and alternative fuel infrastructure, the company is focused on improving maritime operations and sustainability. Its vessel construction management model and commitment to alternative fuels position TOTE Services to contribute to both the development of new technologies and the efficiency of shipbuilding in the U.S.
