TOTE Alaska was recently announced by The Northwest Seaport Alliance as the winner of the 2019 North Star Award for Environmental Stewardship for its efforts to convert its fleet of ORCA Class vessels from conventional diesel fuel to liquified natural gas (LNG), the cleanest burning shipping fuel on the market. This annual award recognizes businesses that promote environmental sustainability and demonstrate a commitment to the natural environment.

“It is an honor to receive the Environmental Stewardship Award from The Northwest Seaport Alliance,” said TOTE Alaska President Grace Greene. “While we knew it was going to be a long road to convert these vessels to a cleaner source of fuel, we always knew it was the right decision based on the environmental and efficiency benefits that this initiative will create.”

According to The Northwest Seaport Alliance, the North Star Awards attracted 17 nominations  from companies and organizations for outstanding achievements and contributions to the economic and environmental vitality of the region.

“This recognition is meaningful because our goal is always to be good stewards – for our industry, for our communities, and for our planet,” said Greene. “We are grateful to our customers and our partners who have supported us along the way.”

Conversion of TOTE Alaska’s ORCA Class vessel, the North Star, is expected to be complete by Q1 2021, while the company’s second vessel, the Midnight Sun, is scheduled to be converted by Q1 2022.