Discover the Midnight-Sun: Ratings & Maritime News

The recent sinking of the 790-foot containership El Faro on October 1, during its journey from Florida to Puerto Rico, has significant repercussions for the conversion plans of two vessels operated by Tacoma-based Tote Maritime. El Faro was set to replace the Midnight Sun, one of the company's ships that operates between Tacoma and Anchorage, which was slated for a four-month transformation from traditional oil propulsion to cleaner liquefied natural gas (LNG). John Parrott, president of Tote Maritime, confirmed that without the arrival of El Faro to take over the route, the schedule for this critical conversion has been pushed back by one year. Notably, El Faro, previously named Northern Lights, was a fixture on the Alaska route until 2006, when it transitioned to support Tote Maritime Alaska’s sister operation in Puerto Rico. Both Tote Maritime divisions are affiliated with the Saltchuk Companies. El Faro had been scheduled to enter a shipyard later in October for its reconversion back to service in the Alaska trade, where it will exclusively carry trailers and vehicles, as opposed to its current dual capacity for trailers and shipping containers in the Florida-Puerto Rico route. Following El Faro’s misfortune, the Isla Bella, a new natural gas-powered vessel constructed in San Diego, has taken over its role on the Puerto Rico run.

Totem Ocean Trailer Express (Totem Ocean), a division of the U.S. domestic shipping company TOTE Maritime, has made a significant move in maritime innovation by partnering with Keppel Shipyard Ltd for the conversion of its first Orca-class roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessel to dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG). Announced on Wednesday, this contract marks a milestone in the industry as it represents the world’s inaugural major conversion of a large RO/RO vessel to LNG propulsion. Set to commence in December, the conversion of the diesel-electric vessel Midnight Star is projected to be completed within a three-month timeframe. This initiative follows Totem Ocean's initial disclosure of its conversion plans back in August 2012, when it secured a conditional waiver regarding fuel sulfur content under the Emission Control Area (ECA) regulations while actively pursuing alternative fuel solutions for its Orca-class fleet. The environmental benefits of converting the Midnight Star to LNG are substantial. According to Totem Ocean, the conversion process is anticipated to drastically lower emissions, reducing particulate matter by a staggering 91%, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 100%, sulfur oxides (SOx) by 90%, and carbon dioxide (CO2) by 35%. Furthermore, the company plans to convert Midnight Star’s sister ship, the North Star, in the 2016-2017 timeframe, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable maritime practices.

The M/V Midnight Sun, an 839-foot freighter, encountered a significant setback during its journey from Tacoma, Washington, to Anchorage, Alaska. Late in the evening, the vessel partially lost power due to a malfunction in two of its four diesel-electric generators. As per instructions issued by Captain Paul Mehler III, the U.S. Coast Guard's Captain of the Port for Western Alaska, the ship redirected its course to Kachemak Bay for repairs. At approximately 7:00 PM, the freighter radioed the Homer Harbormaster, reporting its location about 10 nautical miles west of Port Graham in lower Cook Inlet. Homer Harbormaster Bryan Hawkins confirmed that the Midnight Sun anchored in Kachemak Bay overnight to carry out repairs, noting that it did not require towing assistance. While there were no injuries or environmental spills reported, Hawkins described the incident as "very concerning." U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer First Class Shawn Eggert provided further details on the vessel's cargo—39,000 pounds of chlorine and 6,000 gallons of fuel, though it was unclear whether the fuel was for operational use or cargo. According to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, M/V Midnight Sun boasts a total fuel capacity of 504,000 gallons and operates under a double-hulled design for safety. The vessel, owned by Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc., entered service in 2003 and proudly flies the U.S. flag. With the capability to transport up to 600 shipping containers or their trailer equivalents, the Midnight Sun plays a crucial role in maritime logistics along the Alaskan coast.