Matson gets out of tug business

Advertiser Staff

Matson Navigation Co. sold two tug boats and other assets of its subsidiary Matson Services Co. to Hawaiian Tug & Barge, the companies said yesterday. The tugs sold are the Joe Sevier at Kahului, Maui, and the Maoi in Hilo, Hawai'i.

The companies would not disclose the purchase price. Affected employees will be offered jobs with Hawaiian Tug, said Mark Cohen, the company's vice president for maritime operations. With the acquisition, Hawaiian Tug & Barge will have tugs stationed on all major islands in Hawai'i.

Matson vice president Bal Dreyfus said his company began operating the tugs to improve docking services at Neighbor Island ports. "Matson's entry into the tug business over 30 years ago was designed specifically to fill a need for better harbor assistance services for the Neighbor Islands," Dreyfus said in a statement. "Today, the tug business is no longer a strategic fit for Matson."