History of Sea-Land, CSX Lines, and Horizon Lines Timeline (1956-Present)

[Dave Shirlaw]

History of Sea-Land, CSX Lines, and Horizon Lines Timeline (1956-Present)

2008
On August 5th, Horizon Lines celebrates 50 years of service to Puerto Rico.
2007
In August, Horizon Lines acquires Aero Logistics, a full service, third party logistics provider (3PL) headquartered in South San Francisco, CA

In August, Horizon Lines, Inc. announces that the company is structuring its transportation and logistics operations under two wholly owned subsidiaries, Horizon Lines, LLC, and Horizon Logistics, LLC, effective September 1.

In July, The M/V Horizon Falcon crew performs a rescue of two Chinese seafarers 375 miles northwest of Guam. Rescue efforts take place over a 24-hour period on July 12 and 13.

In June, Horizon Lines purchases Honolulu-based Hawaii Stevedores, Inc. (HSI).

In March, the Horizon Hawk made her maiden call at Tacoma, launching the enhanced Transpacific-1 (TP1) service between Mainland US, Guam, Micronesia and Asia.

In January, Horizon Lines, LLC announces the initiation of a new service to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau under the carrier’s subsidiary company, Horizon Lines of Guam, LLC.

In January, Horizon Lines establishes the ocean container shipping industry’s first fully functional intermodal active radio frequency identification (RFID) solution, providing customers real-time shipment visibility during all phases of transit.

2006
In October, Charles (Chuck) G. Raymond is appointed as the first Chairman of the Board of Directors of Horizon Lines, Inc.

In October, The Horizon Hunter, the first of five 2,824 TEU-capacity, 23-know containership vessels that will enter the Horizon Lines fleet in 2007, is Christened at the Hyundai Mipo shipyard in South Korea.

In September, Horizon Services Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Horizon Lines, Inc., forms a joint venture with Chenega Federal Systems, LLC to provide information technology services and consulting.

In April, Horizon Lines and Ship Finance International Limited close the definitive long-term charters and related agreements to lease the five new vessels for approximately $280 million.

In March, Horizon Lines, Inc. announces an agreement to charter five new U.S.-flag, foreign built vessels for twelve-year terms from Ship Finance International.

2005
The company deploys 900 new high-cube “Reefer Plus” refrigerated containers in September.

On September 27, Horizon Lines successfully launches an Initial Public Offering. Horizon Lines, Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol HRZ.

2004
The company takes delivery of 900 new refrigerated containers in December. The company's equipment experts incorporate design enhancements into the construction of the units, including upgrades to floor and wall units and container airflow. The units are dispatched in all of Horizon Lines' service divisions.

In July, Castle Harlan purchases Horizon Lines from The Carlyle Group for $650 million. Horizon Lines continues as the largest domestic ocean carrier in the United States.

Two new cranes arrive in San Juan, Puerto Rico in March. The two Paceco cranes improve the capacity and productivity, providing heavier lift and up to six-tier lifting capabilities. Horizon Lines operates four cranes at the San Juan port facility.

2003
A third crane is delivered to Horizon Lines terminal at Sand Island in Honolulu, Hawaii in September. The terminal facility makes $5 million dollar investment in crane, chassis and yard equipment; improving productivity by over 30%.

In February, sale of the company to The Carlyle Group is completed. Newly named Horizon Lines, the company retains all its service offerings and continues under its existing, experienced management.

In January, the carrier receives its C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) certification.

2002
In May, CSX Lines introduces the addition of the Midweek Jacksonville Express, which expands the carrier’s service offerings to three weekly sailings between Jacksonville and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

2001
CSX Lines announces the formation of Horizon Services Group, created through the restructuring of the existing organization of CSX Lines. HSG will operate separately from CSX Lines operations and will provide ocean carriers and inland logistics customers world class, cost effective “order-to-cash” services through the integration of people, technology and business systems.

 1999
The Maersk acquisition of Sea-Land is completed on December 10 creating the largest container-shipping carrier in the world, Maersk Sealand.  CSX maintains ownership of the US domestic carrier, CSX Lines, as well as the terminal company, CSX Terminals.

Philippines Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Keith Shibata, Asia Director of Finance & Accounting, cut the ceremonial ribbon officially opening the Manila Customer Service Center.

On July 22, Sea-Land & Maersk announce Maersk Line's intention to purchase the Sea-Land's global liner division from CSX for $800 million dollars (US).

In March of 1999, CSX divides Sea-Land Service into 3 companies, a Global Liner Division, Sea-Land Domestic, and a Terminals Company.

1998
Sea-Land announces that it is expanding its global scope for customers by offering a new weekly, fixed-day service to and from Australia.

Sea-Land opens the new deepwater transshipment port at Salalah, Oman.

1997
Sea-Land leads the refrigerated container industry by launching the first fleet of advanced humidity control reefers under the proprietary name and process called FreshMist.™

1996
Sea-Land celebrates 40 years of Transportation Creativity.

New deployments are implemented throughout Asia, Europe and South America to enhance Sea-Land’s worldwide service.

1995
The Tactical Planning Center in Charlotte, N.C. offers a global perspective of the Sea-Land network.

Sea-Land and Maersk announce plans for an operating alliance to provide customers with an unmatched level of comprehensive service to most major port ranges in the world.

1994
Sea-Land announces the consolidation of its headquarters and other management operations in Charlotte, N.C. The move, in 1995, places operations from Liberty Corner, N.J., Seattle, W.A., and Rotterdam, The Netherlands, at the new location.

1993
The automated Delta Terminal in Rotterdam begins operation.

1991
The Pacific Division announces the first vessel sharing agreement with Maersk Line in the trade between North America and Asia.

John P. Clancey is named President and Chief Executive Officer after Alex Mandel joins AT&T as Chief Financial Officer.

1990
Sea-Land announces agreements to pioneer containerization in the Former Soviet Union; the agreements include development of the Trans-Siberian Land Bridge.

Sea-Land begins service to Saudi Arabia in support of U.S. troops in Operation Desert Storm.

Plans are announced for the expansion of Asia Terminal Ltd. (ATL) in Hong Kong, already the world’s largest commercial building.
1989
Sea-Land invests more than $150 million in refrigerated cargo equipment and services. The reefer fleet totals more than 14,000 containers.

Expansion of the Kwai Chung container freight station in Hong Kong makes it the largest industrial building in the world.

1987
Sea-Land forms Transport Logistics Service to provide expanded truck, rail and barge service within Europe. (Renamed Sea-Land Intra-Europe in 1991)

1986
CSX Corporation buys Sea-Land. The move allows CSX, based in Richmond, V.A. to combine rail, sea and overland cargo movement.

1985
Sea-Land’s new terminal at Tacoma features rail-on-dock service.

1984
Sea-Land Corporation emerges from R. J. Reynolds Industries, Inc. as an independent, publicly held company, with stock trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The company achieves the highest revenues and earnings in its 28-year history.

A $180 million contract is awarded to a U.S. shipyard for construction of three fuel efficient, diesel-powered D–7 class ships.

1983
Sea-Land begins the first regularly scheduled service to Port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, by a U.S. carrier.

1982
President Reagan speaks after signing the Export Trading Act of 1982 in Long Beach, Calif.

1980
Sea-Land begins the first regularly scheduled container ship service between Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, and North America.
1979
Container ship service to India begins, with bi-weekly sailings between Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Bombay and Cochin.

Sea-Land pioneers the use of the double-stack rail car.

1978
Sea-Land establishes a private, limited corporation responsible to the Ruler of Dubai for the design, operation and maintenance of a state-of-the-art, 66-berth, deep-water port and trucking operations at Mina Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates. This is the largest port complex in the Middle East.

With it’s expanded network, Sea-Land is now able to move containers around the globe.

1975
Sea-Land opens a container terminal at Algeciras, Spain. The terminal becomes the major link between the Mediterranean, Middle East and European Services.

The SS Mayaguez and crew are seized by Khmer Rouge rebels off the coast of Cambodia. President Ford directs the military action to return the vessel and crew to U.S. control.

1974
Direct line-haul service is established to the Dominican Republic.

1973
Sea-Land introduces a new liquid bulk tank, with a pressure rating 10 times that of older tank containers. Certified by the U.S. government to carry more than 400 liquid commodities, these tanks are primarily for the rum and whiskey trades.

Sea-Land opens its new container terminal in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

1972
Sea-Land introduces a new "land bridge" service, spanning the continental United States. The service provides transit between the West Coast and Europe and between the East Coast and Far East.

1971
Sea-Land places 2 new SL-18 class container ships in North Atlantic Service.

1970
Sea-Land expands into five Mediterranean ports, with weekly sailings to Cadiz, Barcelona, Marseilles, Genoa and Naples.  The company also begins service to Korea.
1969
The company expands its container ship network to ports in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Jamaica, Portsmouth, Va., and 5 more European ports.  Canada becomes part of Sea-Land's network, with offices in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto.  Sea-Land also orders eight SL-7 class vessels -- the largest and fastest container ships in the world, capable of reaching 33 knots.

1968
Sea-Land launches the first commercial, fully containerized service between Japan and the United States. 

One of the first offices is set up in Yokohama.

1967
Sea-Land sets up container port facilities at Saigon, Cam Rahn Bay, Da Nang and Que Nhon.  With 7 ships dedicated to Vietnam service, Sea-Land is able to carry 10 percent of the supplies destined for Vietnam.  The remaining 90 percent require the service of more than 250 other ships.  Sea-Land's effort proves the effectiveness of container shipping for military support in a war zone.

1966
Sea-Land launches Trans-Atlantic service, and soon the gray containers with the bright red logo are familiar sights in the great cities of Europe.

Sea-Land begins military support service to Subic Bay in the Philippines and Okinawa.

1964
The SS Anchorage breaks through the ice-clogged Cook Inlet, bringing the first regular, dependable year-round service to the port of Anchorage.

1963
Sea-Land begins the first intercoastal service between the East and West Coasts of the United States.

1962
New Jersey Governor Richard Hughes dedicates the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey seaport in Elizabeth, NJ.
1959
Clara McLean, sister of Malcom Mclean, inspects the first containerized citrus fruit shipment with a representative of F.H.Vahlsing.

1958
Sea-Land introduces offshore container ship service to Puerto Rico with the loading of the SS Fairland in San Juan.

1957
The first full-celled container ship, the Sea-Land Gateway City, begins regular service between New York, Florida and Texas.

1956

Ocean-born containerization is introduced with the shipment of a Sea-Land container aboard the Ideal-X from Port Newark, NJ., to Houston TX.