May 1, 2021 — Matson and TOTE deliver more than 80 percent of all containerized cargo shipped into Southcentral Alaska in two ships each per week that generally arrive in Anchorage on Sundays and Tuesdays. These vessels normally depart Port of Tacoma (WA) on Wednesdays and Fridays and take a little less than three days to reach Anchorage, depending upon weather, tides, etc. TOTE services Alaska with two ships that sail directly between Tacoma and Anchorage. Matson uses three ships that also provide twice-weekly service to Kodiak and once-weekly service to Dutch Harbor.

Worldwide container shipping volumes are down due to COVID-19-related market changes, but Port of Alaska container volumes and ship traffic remain about normal for this time of year. COVID-19 decreases in Alaska market demand for some products has been off-set by COVID-19-driven demand spikes for other goods. Economists anticipate that Alaska cargo loads will fall later this year because of COVID-19-related reductions in Alaska energy and visitor industries.

All 14 Port of Alaska cruise ship visits that were scheduled this season have been cancelled because of COVID-19. Port of Alaska, Matson, TOTE and other shippers all have significant additional capacity to accommodate any freight or fuel shipping needs that might arise to respond to COVID-19.