TOTE Maritime, INTERSHIP unveil joint venture in P.R.
TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico and INTERSHIP announced Wednesday they have teamed up to form one of the largest, most experienced and most advanced terminal operating companies serving Puerto Rico.
The joint venture, called Puerto Rico Terminals, or PRT, includes combining two of the largest maritime operations and $38 million worth of existing assets at the Puerto Nuevo terminals near San Juan.
PRT will move more than 250,000 containers and autos annually in and out of Puerto Rico. Improvements in operations, safety and productivity sparked by the joint venture are expected to drive significant growth, said Anthony Chiarello, president and CEO of TOTE.
“We’ve taken two transportation and logistics companies with more than 80 years of combined experience serving Puerto Rico and blended their complimentary assets to form a partnership that will lead maritime operations in the commonwealth,” Chiarello said. “This exciting move comes at a crucial time, and provides tremendous benefits to our customers and the people of Puerto Rico.”
PRT customers will see improved vessel turn times, enhanced safety and security features and other technology-based service upgrades, Chiarello said.
TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico and INTERSHIP operated on adjacent properties at the Puerto Nuevo terminals east of San Juan. Together, the new PRT property covers 122 acres and includes eight newly renovated cranes, as well as eight inbound/outbound lanes and RORO/LOLO cargo handling.
PRT customers now get the benefits of the latest technology, safety features and service automation. With the deepest draft in San Juan Bay, PRT will be able to efficiently serve a wide variety of vessel types, company executives said.
PRT has contracted with longtime TOTE Maritime partner SSA Marine to manage stevedoring and terminal operations. SSA Marine’s proven track record of industry-leading training, safety and security will be very attractive to existing and new PRT customers. The entire joint venture is part of TOTE’s ongoing commitment to serving and financially investing in Puerto Rico, Chiarello said.
“Partnering with such talented organizations offers TOTE an expanded pool of technology, assets and safety protocols that allows us to deliver superior service to TOTE Maritime and the other ocean carriers who utilize PRT’s service,” Chiarello said.