A TOTE Maritime Alaska representative announced on Tuesday that a crucial cargo ship in the supply chain delivering groceries, cars, and construction materials to Alaska may be out of service for two weeks due to mechanical issues. The North Star, an 840-foot vessel, requires repairs, temporarily reducing the fleet of four large cargo that transport supplies weekly to the Don Young Port of Alaska in Anchorage.
The North Star missed its scheduled visit on May 28 due to mechanical issues and is expected to miss the following Tuesday’s visit as well. However, it should return by June 11, according to Art Dahlin, vice president and Alaska general manager of TOTE Maritime Alaska. Despite this disruption, Dahlin assured that consumers in Alaska should not notice a decrease in product availability on store shelves.
Dahlin explained that Dahlin collaborated with other shipping firms to explore alternative transportation methods for North Star’s cargo, utilizing options like trucking and barging. TOTE partnered with Matson, another primary shipper at the port, to transfer some of the freight. Additionally, they are maximizing the available space on TOTE’s Midnight Sun vessel, which continues to serve Alaska.
Dahlin emphasized that priority was assigned to essential items like perishable groceries, such as fresh produce and milk. “The incident occurred on Saturday, and our team immediately sprang into action to ensure that all freight would reach its destination on time,” he stated. “In my assessment, the community will not experience any disruptions, as this is precisely what we prepare for.”
According to him, the North Star encountered an issue with its propulsion system shortly after departing Tacoma, Washington, en route to Anchorage. As a precaution, it returned to Tacoma and is currently undergoing repairs there. The cargo ships that frequent the port play a significant role in Alaska’s logistics, with Matson also operating two ships weekly. The port is the primary gateway for half of the freight entering Alaska.
Dahlin noted that scheduled shipping interruptions are common occurrences. “The crucial aspect is the adaptability of the freight network serving Alaska,” he emphasized. “While this instance was unforeseen, the freight network swiftly adjusted to mitigate any disruptions. It’s widely understood that meeting the needs of Alaska is our top priority.”
Arriving on Sundays and Tuesdays, the TOTE and Matson cargo ships initiate a complex logistical operation to restock store shelves and supply yards across Anchorage and beyond.
