Rand Logistics, Inc. Announces Appointments of Vice Presidents of Operations for the U.S. and Canadian Fleets

NEW YORK, Jan. 04, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rand Logistics, Inc. RLOG ("Rand") today announced the Company has appointed Captain Paul J. Joaquin and Captain Gerald "Gerry" J. Ray as Vice Presidents of Operations for the U.S. and Canadian fleet, respectively, effectively immediately. Captains Joaquin and Ray will have executive responsibility for the coordination, execution and optimization of vessel operations to fulfill annual operating plan commitments. This includes workforce and resource planning, fleet safety, regulatory and environmental compliance, vessel expense management and driving operating excellence initiatives.

"We continue to strengthen our management team with the appointment of Captains Joaquin and Ray to lead day to day operations for our U.S. and Canadian fleets, respectively," commented Ed Levy, Rand's President and CEO. "Both Paul and Gerry are seasoned Captains who bring significant operations expertise to their new roles. Both consistently illustrate a collaborative management style and an operating philosophy centered on operational metrics management, which remains a focus for our Company as we pursue operational excellence throughout our organization."

Both Captain Joaquin and Captain Ray joined the Company in 2001.

Captain Joaquin is a graduate of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, Michigan, USA, where he received a degree in Marine Technology.  He is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed pilot of all waters west of Cape Vincent.

Captain Ray is a graduate of Georgian College in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada, where he received a diploma in Marine Navigation Technology, and holds several licenses and certifications specific to the marine industry.

"We are pleased that Captain Joaquin and Captain Ray are beginning the next phase of their careers together. Their experience within and dedication to our Company and the marine industry will allow us to better share best practices and further align activities between our U.S. and Canadian fleets. Collaboration will allow us to capitalize on operational efficiencies across both fleets," said Captain Scott Bravener, President of Grand River Navigation Company and Lower Lakes Towing, Ltd.

About Rand Logistics 

Rand Logistics, Inc. is a leading provider of bulk freight shipping services throughout the Great Lakes region. Through its subsidiaries, the Company operates a fleet of four conventional bulk carriers and twelve self-unloading bulk carriers including three tug/barge units. The Company is the only carrier able to offer significant domestic port-to-port services in both Canada and the U.S. on the Great Lakes. The Company's vessels operate under the U.S. Jones Act – which reserves domestic waterborne commerce to vessels that are U.S. owned, built and crewed, – and the Canada Coasting Trade Act – which reserves domestic waterborne commerce to Canadian registered and crewed vessels that operate between Canadian ports.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. For all forward-looking statements, we claim the protection of the Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy or are otherwise beyond our control and some of which might not even be anticipated.  Future events and actual results, affecting our strategic plan as well as our financial position, results of operations and cash flows, could differ materially from those described in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements.  Important factors that contribute to such risks include, but are not limited to, the effect of the economic downturn in certain of our markets; the weather conditions on the Great Lakes; and our ability to maintain and replace our vessels as they age.

For a more detailed description of these uncertainties and other factors, please see the "Risk Factors" section in Rand's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 11, 2015.