United States Lines News

Former ocean carrier executive is association’s unanimous choice.The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), the unified and recognized voice of seaports in the Americas, announced today that it has unanimously chosen Christopher J. Connor as the association’s next president and chief executive officer.Mr. Connor, the former Global CEO of Wallenius Wilhemsen Logistics (WWL) will begin transitioning into his new role on September 23, eventually succeeding Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO since 1995.Mr.

The outlook for global container carriers remains rocky at the outset of 2017, according to a new study by AlixPartners. Hanjin Shipping Co.’s bankruptcy in 2016 sent shock waves through the industry, while Brexit and the new U.S. administration’s policies threaten to inject further uncertainty into the future of global trade. These stances could reverse policies that have supported the growth of containerization since the 1950s. Going into the important pricing season, companies need to do everything they can to retain the higher rates recently seen.

About 10 Hanjin vessels effectively seized at China ports; Court says plans to start rehabilitations proceedings soon. Hanjin Shipping Co Ltd vessels have been seized at Chinese ports in the wake of the South Korean firm's collapse, further roiling the industry as freight rates jump and manufacturers scramble for alternatives. Seeking to contain the fallout, a South Korean court said it would soon begin proceedings to rehabilitate the carrier - which would allow Hanjin to take legal action in other countries to keep its ships and other assets from being seized. Rival Hyundai Merchant Marine will also deploy at least 13 of its ships to two routes exclusively serviced by Hanjin, while the South Korean government also plans to reach out to overseas carriers for help.

Hanjin says asks court for its assets to be frozen; Hyundai Merchant looking to buy Hanjin's "good" assets. South Korea's Hanjin Shipping Co Ltd filed for court receivership on Wednesday after losing the support of its banks, setting the stage for its assets to be frozen as ports from China to Spain denied access to its vessels. Banks led by state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB) withdrew backing for the world's seventh-largest container carrier on Tuesday, saying a funding plan by its parent group was inadequate to tackle debt that stood at 5.6 trillion won ($5 billion) at the end of 2015. Hanjin Shipping, South Korea's biggest shipping firm…

A bankruptcy would be biggest ever for a container shipper. Hanjin Shipping Co's banks are halting support for the South Korean company, its lead creditor said, making it likely the nation's largest shipper is headed for bankruptcy as it is dragged down by a deep global industry downturn. South Korea's shipbuilders and shipping firms, which underpinned decades of economic growth, are reeling under debt after racking up losses amid a downturn caused by overcapacity and sluggish trade, forcing state banks to pick winners. Hanjin's lead creditor, state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB), said on Tuesday inadequate financial support from parent Hanjin Group to an ongoing debt restructuring plan forced creditor banks to pull the plug.

Matson, Inc., a U.S. carrier in the Pacific, announced today that Kevin O'Rourke, senior vice president and chief legal officer, is retiring after 21 years with Matson. O'Rourke will be succeeded by Peter Heilmann, who has been promoted to senior vice president and chief legal officer. O'Rourke joined Matson in 1992 as vice president and general counsel. He was promoted to senior vice president in 1995. His career has included over 30 years of experience in domestic and international maritime law. He has a thorough knowledge of the industry's federal regulatory bodies and government agencies.

Once queen of the express liners, and the fastest, safest and biggest passenger liner in history, the SS United States today quietly awaits rescue from a pending cruise to the scrapyard. The Big Ship the Big U, the one that didn’t sink. The S.S. She is waiting for a rescue that may never come from an appointment with the scrap yard looming large on her summer schedule. And that would be a shame according to her many supporters, not the least of which was the late newsman and sailor, Walter Cronkite.

Susan Gibbs is the Executive Director of the SS United States Conservancy and granddaughter of William Francis Gibbs, designer of America’s Flagship. Here Ms. Gibbs shares her opinions on the intersection of U.S. politics and America’s historical flagship, SS United States, while addressing the American condition, past and future. With the government shutdown having sent Washington into a tailspin, validating Americans’ disdain for beltway politics, you can’t help but think about a time in our history when people believed government actually worked.

Award dinner is January 25, 2012 at Marriott Marquis Hotel in NYC. Joseph C. Curto, President of the New York Shipping Association (NYSA) has been chosen by the New York/New Jersey Foreign Freight Forwarders and Brokers Association, Inc. to receive the 2012 Person of the Year Award. The prestigious award will be presented during the 95th annual dinner at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on January 25, 2012. Attracting nearly 800 guests every year, this event is one of the most prominent international transportation functions in the United States. “Mr.

Pamela C. Conover, who has taken leadership roles at three major cruise lines, has been voted Personality of the Year 2009 by the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association. The decision was announced at the 2009 conference of WISTA, taking place at IMO headquarters in London from September 16-18. Pam Conover is president and chief executive of Seabourn Cruise Line, a luxury cruise subsidiary of the Carnival group. The special WISTA accolade recognises an outstanding personal contribution to the maritime industry.

Douglas Tilden has been named to the advisory board of Ports America Group. Tilden most recently served as chairman of Ports America Group, the largest stevedoring and terminal operating company in the Americas providing services at 97 terminals in 50 U.S. ports. Ports America Group (PAG) is an affiliated group of terminal operating companies owned by Highstar Capital, a leading infrastructure fund. Tilden’s career in the shipping industry began in 1969 with United States Lines. His most recent position as chairman of Ports America Group led to his appointment as senior strategic analyst to the advisory board, which oversees the operation of Ports America Group.

Pacific Coast Maritime has been selected by Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding to provide the exterior doors and windows for the United States Lines cruise vessels currently under construction for parent company American Classic Voyages (AMCV). The contract calls for the supply of more than 1,200 doors for the private verandas and 600 windows, both of which will be of the heavy-duty clamp-in type.

Since beginning his cruise industry career as Royal Caribbean's first ever marketing director — Roderick K. (Rod) McLeod has been an instrumental force in the cruise industry. He now heads up what is arguably the world’s most watched cruise ship newbuild program. Having a discussion with Rod McLeod is like talking to an old friend that you haven't been in touch with for awhile. Even though you may have not spoken for months — or even years — you always manage to find enough to talk about. That was the case when McLeod recently spoke with MR/EN regarding his current endeavors as president and COO of AMCV, as well as his past experiences — both professionally and personally.

The Tillberg name is synonymous with luxurious cruise ship design, often serving as the masterminds in the creation of images and themes that will capture the essence of the each vessel's itinerary and passenger base. MR/EN spoke with two generations of the Tillbergs — founder Robert — and son Tomas — to discuss their philosophies, ideas and creations for a business that is expediently working to meet the cruise industry's newbuild boom. From the time he was a young man attending college in Sweden, Tomas Tillberg longed for the day that he could join his father, Robert Tillberg, at work designing and dreaming up new ideas for the cruise ship industry.

United States Lines' premiere vessel, the 1,212-passenger MS Patriot arrived on Thursday at its homeport of Honululu, Oahu as the newest and largest cruise vessel serving the Hawaiian Islands year-round. The vessel, which breaks a 40-year stagnation within the U.S. cruise ship industry, is scheduled to be christened today by Maggie Inouye, wife of Senator Daniel Inouye, who will perform the official dedication. Formerly known as Holland America's MS Nieuw Amsterdam, the vessel was purchased by American Classic Voyages (AMCV), by U.S. Lines parent company, AMCV for $114.5 million in 1999. Following an extensive refurbishment process,…

American Classic Voyages Co., which is currently engaged in a high-profile effort to build cruise ships in the U.S., recently provided financial information on its expansion plans and its outlook for 2001. The 1,212-passenger ms Patriot, the first ship in American Classic Voyages' United States Lines fleet, just completed a $21 million refurbishment at Cascade General Shipyard in Portland, Oregon. The ship is in Los Angeles for the beginning of a series of inaugural activities that will introduce 6,000 travel agents to United States Lines. The ms Patriot will begin its permanent seven-night Hawaiian Island itinerary with its inaugural cruise on December 9.

American Classic Voyages Co., which is currently engaged in a high-profile effort to build cruise ships in the U.S., recently provided financial information on its expansion plans and its outlook for 2001. The 1,212-passenger ms Patriot, the first ship in American Classic Voyages' United States Lines fleet, just completed a $21 million refurbishment at Cascade General Shipyard in Portland, Oregon. The ship is in Los Angeles for the beginning of a series of inaugural activities that will introduce 6,000 travel agents to United States Lines. The ms Patriot will begin its permanent seven-night Hawaiian Island itinerary with its inaugural cruise on December 9.

United States Lines has launched a 1,212-passenger cruise ship, MS Patriot, newly emerged from a $21 million renovation and flying the U.S. flag recently departed for the first of its weekly cruises to five ports on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and "Big Island" of Hawaii. New ship features include a Hawaiian Destination Learning Center, innovative children's and teen's activity centers, and upgraded conference and meeting facilities. Recently in a christening ceremony reflecting both the heritage of Hawaii and the spirit of America, Maggie Inouye, wife of Senator Daniel Inouye, officially dedicated the ship. A gala benefiting five Hawaiian charities was also held on board.

Tugboats are scheduled to tow the freighter American Ranger from the James River Reserve Fleet on August 26th, at approximately 10 a.m., to the Esco Marine facility in Brownsville, TX, where it will be dismantled. The departure schedule is subject to weather and safety clearances. The American Ranger is one of the high-priority ships designated for disposal by the Maritime Administration (MARAD). The contract for the American Ranger was announced August 9th, along with the disposal contracts for two other high-priority ships, the Santa Isabel and the Mormacwave. The Santa Cruz, part of a contract awarded in June, left the JRRF on August 5th. "Tomorrow's tow of the American Ranger demonstrates the significant progress we are making on this important issue.

Management Dynamics announced the executive-level appointments of Albert Cooke as director of sales operations and Tom Wyville as director of mid-Atlantic sales. Cooke will be responsible for assisting the company's regional sales directors in direct selling efforts as well as managing the company's indirect channel. Wyville will be responsible for selling the company's Rate Explorer solution to importers, exporters, and transportation intermediaries in the Mid-Atlantic region. Today's appointments represent the fifth and sixth hires in as many months as Management Dynamics continues to build out its sales team to deliver contract automation solutions to the global importer, exporter, and NVOCC markets.

Some of the industry's biggest players and supporters were present to honor Admiral James Loy and Grace Allen at the 26th Annual Silver Bell Awards Dinner on June 17 at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. Also recognized, was John J. McMullen, renowned naval architect and marine engineer, and former CEO of United States Lines, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award. The event, which is one of the industry's top social and philanthropic events of the season, drew a record 954 guests, and raised more than $550,000 for the Seamen's Church Institute of New York & New Jersey. "We are grateful for the support of the maritime industry and our friends," said the Rev. Dr. Jean R. Smith, SCI's Executive Director.

Some of the industry's biggest players and supporters were present to honor Admiral James Loy and Grace Allen at the 26th Annual Silver Bell Awards Dinner on June 17 at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. Also recognized, was John J. McMullen, renowned naval architect and marine engineer, and former CEO of United States Lines, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award. The event, which is one of the industry's top social and philanthropic events of the season, drew a record 954 guests, and raised more than $550,000 for the Seamen's Church Institute of New York & New Jersey. "We are grateful for the support of the maritime industry and our friends," said the Rev. Dr. Jean R. Smith, SCI's Executive Director. Richard T.

The saga of the now-defunct American Classic Voyages' U.S. Lines has seemingly come to a close with Northrop Grumman Corporation reaching an agreement on August 19 to sell all structures and material associated with the cruise vessel program at the company's Ship Systems sector to Norwegian Cruise Line. Under the agreement, Norwegian Cruise Line will take possession by Sept. 30, 2002 of the nearly half-complete first ship and all associated equipment and materials, as well as material acquired by Northrop Grumman for a planned second ship. Approximately 350 Ship Systems employees are currently preparing the cruise ship for launching and towing. These ships were to have been known as the first cruise ships to be constructed in the U.S. in more than 30 years.