Senior Officer Seminar Returns

Senior Officer Seminar Returns

by Brian Spillane, Director, Vessel and Chartering Operation

The first of two 2024 Senior Officer seminars was held at the Walnut Creek Marriott on September 24. This was the first time since 2018 that our senior officers gathered, marking a significant milestone as we came together to reconnect, share experiences, and chart our path toward a decarbonized future.

Matson executive shakes hands with a U.S. Coast Guard captain holding a Matson ship replica while another Matson executive smiles for the camera.
Scott Hauck, vice president Vessel Operations and Engineering, Capt. Jarod Toczko deputy commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco, Capt. Jack Sullivan senior vice president Vessel Operations and Engineering.

This year’s seminars were not just a chance to reconnect but also crucial training events and an opportunity for our senior officers to rebuild face-to-face relationships while strengthening our understanding of the evolving marine environmental landscape. After navigating the challenges of the past six years, from ship restrictions to complex dry dock projects, with even more complex logistics crewing our vessels, this was a chance to celebrate our success as our customers’ first choice to move freight better than anyone.

“I am pleased and honored to have had the opportunity to speak with many of you at the 2024 Senior Officer Seminar in September,” said Capt. Jarod Toczko, deputy commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Sector San Francisco. “I cannot overstate the impact that our collaboration and events like this have on safety and security in the maritime domain. Partnerships, such as ours, are fundamental to bridging operational and regulatory functions into a seamless structure, which ultimately benefit mariners, the environment, and all who use our waterways. Matson has been, and continues to be, a vital partner to our service and I look forward to what we will accomplish together in the future.”

The seminar included sessions on leadership, risk management, decarbonization, port state control inspections, safety, and environmental stewardship of the ocean we travel upon. These presentations reinforce our commitment to Matson’s strategic initiatives and our journey toward a greener company. The positive impacts of this seminar are significant. Our senior officers are equipped with new ideas, strategies, and a renewed energy to drive our company forward.

Senior Officer participants pose for a group picture with the Matson logoed flag and historical Matson flag in the background.
Vessel Operations and Engineering, Crewing and Labor Relations, SQES, Legal, Insurance/Risk, Fleet Ops.