TOTE calls off plans to expand Hawaii containership business

Transportation service provider TOTE has suspended its plans to enter the Hawaiian trade through the introduction of up to four new containerships, which would provide services connecting Hawaii to the US mainland.

The decision comes as a result of the findings from the company’s Phase 1 technical review of Piers 1 and 2, located in Honolulu Harbour.

“Due to the scope and timing of the upgrades and improvements, TOTE will not renew the letter of intent (LoI) with Philly Shipyard that expires on 31 January 2018.”

TOTE has also announced it will not extend its letter of intent (LoI) with Philly Shipyard (PSI) for the construction of the containerships based on the results of the research.

TOTE said in a statement: “In September 2017, the Hawaii Department of Transportation earmarked for TOTE access to Honolulu Piers 1 and 2 and exclusive use of the adjacent 45 acres beginning in 2020 to coincide with TOTE’s new service to Hawaii.

“TOTE subsequently conducted a preliminary study of the site’s infrastructure, which indicated that upgrades and improvements will be required to accommodate the new operations.

“Due to the scope and timing of the upgrades and improvements, TOTE will not renew the LoI with Philly Shipyard that expires on 31 January 2018.”

However, TOTE noted that it aims to work with Hawaii’s Department of Transportation to revise plans and establish a timeline for gaining access to a Honolulu deepwater terminal, which would enable the company to begin its service to Hawaii at a later date.