Saltchuk Marine expands harbor ship assist operations
Written by Nick Blenkey
Millennium Maverick is one of eight tugs set to start operating for Saltchuk under the Starlight brand. [Image: Centerline Logistics]
Yesterday we reported that Centerline Logistics has acquired Saltchuk Marine’s California ship bunkering business. It seems that was not the whole of the story.
Saltchuk Marine has acquired Centerline Logistics’ harbor ship assist operations in California and the Pacific Northwest.
Eight ship assist tugs currently operated under the Millennium and Starlight brands will join the Saltchuk Marine fleet in early 2021. Operations will be consolidated under the Starlight brand, which will remain independently-operated—managing, dispatching, and crewing its own boats.
The acquisition increases the ship assist capacity of Saltchuk Marine companies by more than 40% in California. Saltchuk says the addition of the Starlight brand furthers its goal of diversifying resources and expertise to deliver a wide range of harbor towing solutions to customers along the West Coast.
“This transaction strengthens the Saltchuk Marine family of companies. We are pleased to expand our capacity in both California and the Pacific Northwest, enabling us to grow our portfolio of safe, reliable, competitive ship assist services,” said Jason Childs, CEO of Saltchuk Marine. “This addition to our family of companies continues to strengthen our reach along our coastal waterways, providing expert and reliable tugboat escorts and assists when customers call, and deepens the long-term relationships we have in California today.”
Saltchuk Marine and Centerline will partner together during a short transition period to provide continuity while the transaction is completed. During this time, Centerline will continue to operate Starlight and Millennium tugs before the vessels transfer to Saltchuk Marine.
