Matson to begin Rota shipping route on Nov. 03

10/22/2025 - Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog announced that Matson will begin to service the people of Rota starting November 03, 2025. She said this marks “the start of a service that will help improve the movement of goods and cargo to and from the island of Rota from Guam or Saipan.”

“The group plans to start operations on a once a month basis, with the intent to expand as demand grows and the service becomes more efficient,” the Rota Public Information Office said in a press release.

Mayor Hocog met with the CNMI Lt. Governor’s Chief of Staff Vinnie Sablan, Matson’s Sales and Customer Service Manager for Guam and Micronesia Stephen Gatewood, and Paul Blas of Sakman Logistics earlier this week to iron out the details. They also plan to meet with members of the Rota Chamber of Commerce and the farming community. 

In a statement on social media, Lt. Gov. Mendiola said, “we were pushing for this since my time with the 24th delegation. An effort, where we saw an opportunity with a unified Rota Leadership. Now, Gov Apatang and I are pushing this effort to better the service for our people. Great win for Rota!!”

Report by Thomas Manglona II.