22/05/2026
Courtesy Visit: Matson South Pacific Ltd
A Matson South Pacific delegation, led by Mr. Len Isotoff (Senior Vice President – Pacific) and General Manager Sir. Michael Jones paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Transport (MOT). Matson Inc., a United States–based company established in 1882, has operated into the Cook Islands since 2013, providing core shipping services to the Cook Islands — namely Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
The delegation met with the Secretary of Transport, Acting Director of Maritime, and Director of Land Transport on shipping matters pertinent to Matson. MOT's Maritime Safety Authority is responsible for domestic shipping licenses while its function for international shipping licensing is outsourced to Maritime Cook Islands. Matson expressed its appreciation for the working relationship with MOT’s Maritime Safety Authority, noting that existing coordination continues to operate effectively.
The Government’s intentions regarding electric vehicles, in line with its 100% renewable energy target by 2030, were also discussed. MOT’s Land Transport Authority followed up on the status of Matson’s suspension of electric vehicle shipments to the Cook Islands, noting that the suspension of plug-in EV shipments applies across all countries serviced by Matson.
Matson provided an update on its efforts to address safety requirements associated with EV shipments, particularly lithium batteries and latest EV’s. Matson has also continued its own research, including the identification of favorable electric vehicles for safe shipping on its vessels.
L to R: Mr John Gleeson - Director South Pacific, Mr John Hosking - Secretary of Transport MOT, Mr Len Isotoff - Senior Vice President - Pacific, Mr Eric Bede - Director - Business Development, Ms Michelle Aisake - MOT Director of Land Transport, Ms Bernadette Valencia - Senior Vice President Sales, Sir Michael Jones - General Manager and Mr Marah Tairi - MOT Acting Director of Maritime
