Parent company of TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico invests in education supporting Puerto Rico trade lane

By Marcia Pledger

TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, one of three ocean carriers to serve Puerto Rico from JAXPORT, is strengthening its commitment to the island through its parent company Saltchuk.

Saltchuk has partnered with both the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM) and the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR), to establish two programs focused on transportation and logistics.

By investing in education, the goal is to develop skilled transportation and logistics professionals, enhance industry research, and support long-term economic opportunity on the island.

Leaders from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and Saltchuk celebrate the opening of the Center of Excellence for Transportation and Logistics

Center of Excellence for Transportation and Logistics

Saltchuk has conditionally pledged $10 million over a 10-year period to support the growth of the Center of Excellence for Transportation and Logistics (CETL) at the UPRM.  

“We recognized a need to create an opportunity for Puerto Ricans to pursue a graduate degree in Transportation and Logistics within Puerto Rico, and we identified UPRM as the leading institution that can make this happen,” said Mark Tabbutt, Chairman of Saltchuk. “The enthusiasm and vision at UPRM made our commitment an easy decision.”

Operations began this fall for the CETL to begin the process of developing academic programs, promoting applied research, and establishing industry partnerships to strengthen Puerto Rico’s talent pipeline in the transportation and logistics sector.

TOTE Group Vice President of Corporate Affairs Eduardo Pagán said the initiative aims to attract and develop talent focused on the transportation and logistics industry, promoting long-term economic and social development in Puerto Rico.

“This initiative highlights our joint commitment to fostering cutting-edge education and research that directly addresses Puerto Rico’s needs, while also preparing our students for successful careers,” Pagán shared. “Together, we are driving economic and social progress for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.”

At the CETL, hands-on learning, applied research, and industry collaboration drive supply chain innovation and career pathways

Talent Development Program

Saltchuk has also partnered with PUPR to launch a Talent Development Program designed to equip students and professionals with the specialized skills required for careers in transportation and logistics. The initiative will enhance PUPR’s associate degree in Supply Chain and Logistics through training, industry certifications, internships, and apprenticeships, supported by up to $2 million in funding over the next 10 years.

As part of the partnership, PUPR will modernize its curriculum and collaborate with industry employers to establish registered apprenticeships that combine classroom learning with on-the-job training. PUPR is investing in faculty development and will integrate an Industry Advisory Council to conduct regular consultations, identify essential certifications, and ensure the curriculum aligns with current industry needs and demands.

“As we approach our 60th anniversary, we take great pride in this partnership with Saltchuk,” said Ernesto R. Vázquez, President of PUPR. “This collaboration will open avenues for faculty and students to contribute solutions that strengthen Puerto Rico’s role in high-tech manufacturing and supply chain logistics.”

Commitment to Puerto Rico

The Puerto Rico trade lane is a critical market for JAXPORT ocean carrier TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico and its terminal operator First Coast Terminals transporting freight between Jacksonville and the island. In Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Terminals operates a modern cargo facility supporting TOTE’s vessel operations, accommodating vessels of all types and sizes to ensure efficient and reliable trade.

Saltchuk, a privately owned family of diversified freight transportation, marine services, and energy distribution companies, has operated in Puerto Rico for more than 35 years. The company’s investment in education reinforces its long-standing commitment to the island, where Saltchuk-affiliated companies—including TOTE, Tropical Shipping, Aqua Gulf, and Puerto Rico Terminals—play a key role in strengthening supply chain connectivity and global trade relationships.