Tote Maritime Alaska vessel Midnight Sun. Photo: Tote Maritime.

Tote Maritime Alaska has selected Orbcomm to provide a portfolio of telematics solutions to monitor and control its refrigerated and dry intermodal and over-the-road assets, including containers, trailers and flatbeds. Orbcomm’s ReeferConnect and CargoWatch solutions provide real-time cold chain monitoring for Tote Maritime Alaska’s refrigerated containers and trailers. The solutions deliver the precise temperature monitoring capabilities and data needed for ensuring cargo protection as well as compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act regulatory requirements.

Tote Maritime Alaska is also deploying Orbcomm’s CargoWatch solution for tracking its insulated trailers, dry containers and flatbed equipment to improve asset utilization and security.

In addition, Tote Maritime Alaska is deploying Orbcomm’s VesselConnect solution on its fleet of Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO/RO) vessels for “on-water” visibility and control. According to the company, this is the first known deployment on a RO/RO vessel in the shipping industry. Orbcomm’s VesselConnect allows Tote Maritime Alaska to receive data from its refrigerated containers and trailers, including reefer status, temperature and slot location, while at sea.

According to Orbcomm, a key benefit of its VesselConnect is enhanced crew efficiency and safety by eliminating the need to manually check the temperature status and condition of reefers. If an alarm occurs, it will be automatically displayed on the VesselConnect console, and an engineer can be sent to check and resolve any issues. The system also identifies non-performing equipment, so shore-based staff can be alerted in advance that repairs are needed, reducing time out of service and insurance claims.