Sea Star Line Llc News

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board hopes to recover the voyage data recorder from the cargo ship El Faro, which sank during a hurricane killing all 33 crew on board, over the next two to three months, an agency official said on Thursday. A surveillance trip to the site where the ship sank last year, some 15,000 feet (4,600 meters) below sea level off the Bahamas, pinpointed the location of the recorder on April 26. It should contain navigational data and the last 12 hours of audio on the ship's bridge, Brian Curtis, acting director of the Office of Marine Safety at the NTSB, told reporters. He spoke after the voyage to locate the recorder returned to port in Massachusetts. "We know where it is but it is still a tall challenge.

Subsea images and video released as part of NTSB public docket on investigation into the sinking of U.S. cargo ship El Faro. Underwater video and images of the sunken cargo ship EL Faro have been released by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as part of its continuing investigation into the vessel’s sinking in the Atlantic Ocean in October. The docket opened by NTSB includes nine underwater images of El Faro wreckage on the seafloor, as well as more than 47 minutes of video from CURV-21, the remotely operated vehicle used to document the wreckage and debris field. Excerpts from that video are available on the NTSB’s YouTube channel. The U.S.

Sea Star Line, LLC and Applied Cryo Technologies (ACT), in cooperation with Dragon Products, have finalized plans for the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering system that will supply Sea Star Line’s new ships. Sea Star Line and its parent company TOTE are building the world’s first LNG-powered containerships that will begin serving the Puerto Rican market later this year. The LNG bunkering system is a critical part of the LNG supply chain for the Marlin Class ships. The system is comprised of 25 cryogenic IMO tanks that will transport LNG from Georgia to Jacksonville. In addition, ACT will ensure that the new ships can be fueled safely and effectively in under six hours, enabling Sea Star Line to maintain its on-time commitment to the people of Puerto Rico.

Sea Star Line, LLC has entered an agreement to on-hire another barge to add to its current service package for shipments from Jacksonville to Puerto Rico. The new asset has the capacity for 320 dry units and its initial departure is scheduled for the first week of April. In January, Sea Star Line added two barges to address increased demand in the market. The total capacity for both barges is 750 FEUs with dedicated space for 84 refrigerated containers. Thus far in 2015, Sea Star Line has on-hired or purchased over 2…

Finalizing an agreement to service Puerto Rico trade, Sea Star Line, LLC will lease two barges with combined additional capacity of 800 forty-foot equivalent units (FEUS).   The weekly barge service, with a barge departing both San Juan and Jacksonville every Thursday, will commence on January 29, 2015 with a six day transit. The barge is configured to hold dry and refrigerated containers and Sea Star Line has on-hired over 2,100 pieces of equipment to support the additional capacity.   Tim Nolan, President of Sea Star Line, said, “The new barge service will compliment Sea Star Line's current two vessel calls per week and ultimately act as a bridge until the first of new Marlin Class vessels are delivered in October of this year."

Sea Star Line, LLC began receiving the first of its new 100 40’ and 45’ refrigerated containers ordered as part of its equipment replacement plan announced in August 2014. The replacement plan aims to reduce the average age of the entire Sea Star Line refrigerated container fleet to less than three years. The reefers have been fit with Carrier PrimeLine Machinery which is the most current technology available for refrigerated equipment. In addition, the entire Sea Star Line reefer…

TOTE, Inc. announced an agreement today between its operating companies TOTE Shipholdings Inc. and Sea Star Line LLC on the charter of the two new Marlin Class vessels being built by TOTE Shipholdings at NASSCO in San Diego, Calif. The new Marlin Class ships will be the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered containerships in the world and will almost double the cargo capacity available to Puerto Rico each week. These will be the first ships with fifty three foot container capacity under deck expanding the services that Sea Star Line is able to offer its customers. The ships will also allow Sea Star Line more cargo flexibility to meet the ever changing needs of Puerto Rico. The Marlin Class vessels lead the way in environmental responsibility.

Sea Star Line informs that as part of its long term program related to chassis utilization, commencing Monday, June 2, 2014, it will introduce a new chassis program for shipments moving to and from the Southeast United States. From the above date, Sea Star Line will no longer provide chassis, having partnered with Flexi-Van Leasing, Inc. to provide shippers, consignees, or their agents (motor carriers) with chassis directly. “The decision was made to expand the chassis program because it supports our service commitment to the trade, while positioning us for the future.” stated Jim Wagstaff, vice president of operations for Sea Star Line, LLC.

Hosted Turnkey Solution to Provide Strategic Technology Enhancementsand Improved Efficiency. Tideworks Technology, Inc., a premier provider of full-service terminal management and planning software solutions, today announced it has been selected by Sea Star Line, LLC (Sea Star) to implement its suite of terminal operating system (TOS) solutions at its Jacksonville, Fla. and San Juan, Puerto Rico terminals. Sea Star will leverage Tideworks’ complete turnkey solutions under a fully-hosted model.

On April 2, 2014, Sea Star Line’s vessel El Faro and its employees participated in a joint training exercise at North Florida shipyards. The training exercise focused on evaluating agency procedures, communication plans and training programs to assure all agencies can respond in the most efficient way to emergency events and to mitigate risks and damage. “The mock training exercise was an excellent opportunity to participate in and ensure that our local emergency agencies are prepared for emergency response events,” stated Jim Wagstaff, vice president of operations for Sea Star Line, LLC.

Sea Star Line LLC and Horizon Lines LLC have agreed to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by fixing the price of government cargo transportation contracts between the continental United States and Puerto Rico, the Department of Justice announced today. Under the settlement agreements, Sea Star Line has agreed to pay $1.9 million, and Horizon Lines has agreed to pay $1.5 million. “Today’s civil settlements demonstrate our continuing vigilance to ensure that those doing business with the government do not engage in anticompetitive conduct…

While in transit from Jacksonville, Florida to San Juan, Puerto Rico, the crew of Sea Star Line’s El Morro vessel received distress calls from a small fishing vessel in the Atlantic Ocean. The fishing vessel was attempting to hail the U.S. Coast Guard’s Jacksonville Sector with no success due to a weak transmission signal. The crew of El Morro intercepted the communications from the fishing vessel and began relaying information to the U.S Coast Guard in Jacksonville. The U.S.

Sea Star Line, LLC announced that it has forged a new relationship with the Wounded Warrior Project  (WWP) and was a major sponsor for the Wounded Warrior Project 8K Run held on Saturday, Sept. 7 in Jacksonville, Fla. “Sea Star Line is an active partner in all of the communities it serves, and this is no exception,” commented Tim Nolan, Sea Star Line, Executive Vice President. Sea Star Line not only made a financial commitment toward the race, but also had over 50 enthusiastic employees entered and ten volunteers, as well as, family members eager to help with race festivities.

Sea Star Line, LLC announce that its refrigerated cargo monitoring service, StarGuard Elite Service, has been enhanced to provide refrigerated cargo shippers, especially pharmaceutical companies, full visibility of the refrigerated container’s progress, 24/7. Customers can now manage and monitor their refrigerated containers directly in real-time from any Internet-connected personal computer, tablet or mobile device. StarGuard Elite Service provides immediate up-to-date access to the trip progress and confirm that temperatures…

Sea Star Line, LLC recently took delivery of 150 new 40’ refrigerated containers in year two of a five year equipment replacement plan. The replacement plan aims to reduce the average age of the entire Sea Star Line refrigerated container fleet to less than three years. The new 40’ refrigerated containers are set to arrive at the Blount Island Terminal in Jacksonville, Florida in June 2013. The reefers will be fit with Carrier PrimeLine Machinery, the latest technology available for refrigerated equipment.

Sea Star Line, LLC said that it has increased its refrigerated container fleet by 25% in the past year to better serve the Puerto Rico trade. Sea Star is also in year two of a five year refrigerated equipment replacement plan. The replacement plan aims to reduce the average age of the entire Sea Star Line refrigerated container fleet to less than three years. Additionally, Sea Star Line recently entered into a five year agreement to acquire new gensets to support the increased reefer fleet. “We must begin transforming our equipment fleet to meet the needs of our customers and in preparation for our new LNG ships entering the Puerto Rico trade at the end of 2015,” said Jim Wagstaff, vice president of operations.

Chris Willman to Lead Sea Star Line’s National Sales Force. Sea Star Line, LLC has announced the promotion of Chris Willman to Director of National Field Sales. Chris joined Sea Star Line in March 2005 as an inside sales representative. Since then, Chris has held several key sales positions with his most recent role being sales manager for NVOCC & FAK accounts. “Chris’ sales experience in the Puerto Rico market, combined with his expertise in sales development and sales processes, make him the right choice to lead this group. We will continue to ensure that the direction and organization of the national sales group is aligned with the company’s broader objectives.” said Bill Taylor, vice president of sales.

Former Executive Convicted for Role in Price-Fixing Conspiracy Involving Coastal Freight Services Between the Continental United States and Puerto Rico. Following a two-week trial, a federal jury in Puerto Rico today convicted a former executive of a Florida-based coastal water freight transportation company for his participation in a conspiracy to fix rates and surcharges for water transportation of freight between the continental United States and Puerto Rico, the Department of Justice announced. Frank Peake, the former president of Sea Star Line LLC, was found guilty today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico…

Sea Star Line, LLC announced today that Bill Taylor will assume leadership of Sea Star’s United States sales team as Vice President, US Sales. Eduardo Pagan, who held the position of Vice President, Commercial Services will now hold the position of Vice President and General Manager, Puerto Rico and Caribbean. “We are extremely pleased to have Bill on board as he brings 30 years of sales experience in the ocean transportation industry.” said Peter Keller, Sea Star Line President. Prior to joining Sea Star Line, Taylor held sales and leadership positions with international carriers, CAST, Lykes Lines and CP Ships. Taylor most recently was responsible for managing Tropical Shipping’s Eastern Caribbean service. Mr.

Florida-Based Sea Star Line LLC Agrees to Plead Guilty and Its Former President Is Indicted for Price Fixing on Coastal Freight Services Between the Continental United States and Puerto Rico Sea Star Line Also Agrees to Pay $14.2 Million Criminal Fine. Sea Star Line LLC has agreed today to plead guilty and to pay a $14.2 million criminal fine for its role in a conspiracy to fix prices in the coastal water freight transportation industry, the Department of Justice announced. Additionally…

The U.S. maritime industry publicly recognized the women and men responsible for safe ship operations at the Annual Safety Awards Luncheon held at the Loews New Orleans Hotel on June 2, 2011. Over 180 people, representing over 70 companies, attended the annual industry-sponsored event. The Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) announced the results of the 2010 Jones F. Devlin Awards. Those awards were given to vessels that have operated for at least two years without a seafarer involved in a lost-time injury.

Melvyn J. Dennett, Admanthos Shipping Agency, Inc. Jim Bradford, General Manager – Operations, Gulf Offshore N.S. Dr. William J. Dr. David W. Costas M. Fostiropoulos, Chairman, Almi Tankers S.A. Dr. Ian J. Jim Miller, President & CEO, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc. Mrs. Leif Kristian Nielsen, Executive Vice President, A.P. Dimitrios Patrikios, General Manager, Springfield Shipping Co., S.A. Leonidas S. Polemis, Manager, Remi Maritime Corp. Gerard H. Capt. Yodchai Ratanachiwakorn, Operations Director, Thoresen & Co., (Bangkok) Ltd. I.S. Dalton Marcio Schmitt, Managing Director, Astromaritima Navegacao S.A. William Scott, Manager, Engineering & Technical Services, Tidewater Inc. Peter S. Josh M. Suhartoko, Senior Vice President – Shipping, PT.

Sea Star Line, LLC has announced that they are adding the Port of Philadelphia to its rotation.  Sea Star Line vessels will service the port weekly, making calls to the Tioga Marine Terminal each Friday beginning, April 23, 2010. This will replace the current agreement with Horizon Lines, LLC, however cargo will still be accepted in Elizabeth, N.J. Sea Star Line vessels are configured for both Lo/Lo and Ro/Ro service. In addition to flexibly designed container and trailer space, they feature a garage area that accommodates oversized cargo, and another garage dedicated to automobiles.