'We have exceeded our expectations with this new trade line and have committed significant resources to continue to grow in and with the Port of Philadelphia,' said Steve Hastings, president of Sea Star Line, which recently invested more than $7 million on maintenance for El Faro, one of the vessels serving the Port. This maintenance equips the cargo ship to service the port for the next several years uninterrupted.
With Sea Star Line's arrival last April, it brought the Port's first roll-on, roll-off capabilities. That, combined with its rotation of two cargo ships, has shortened the previous transit time from seven days to Puerto Rico by barge, to only three and a half days.
'We recognize that we've created a strong competitive advantage for ourselves as well as for the Port of Philadelphia. Between providing the port's only roll-on /roll-off capabilities, to offering an unmatched speed to market, we see only continued growth and success,' said Hastings. 'It's not a stretch to say that Philadelphia could quickly be established as the Northeast hub for trade lines to Puerto Rico.'
The Port of Philadelphia agrees.
'In just a short time, Sea Star Line has made a tremendous impact at the Port of Philadelphia, and we applaud their success,' said Sean Mahoney of the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority. 'Not only do their contributions to the Port help fuel our local economy, but they also help further establish Philadelphia as a major player in shipping and transportation from the Northeast. We'd like nothing more than to see that continue to grow.'
The two Sea Star Line vessels in rotation at the Port of Philadelphia were built at the now defunct Sun Shipyard in Chester, Pa. The vessels transport automobiles, heavy equipment, domestic trailers and tankers, and standard ISO containers. Sea Star has also equipped its vessels to accommodate the newest 53-foot-long trailers. With its larger cargo containers, Sea Star makes shipping more efficient and affordable for its customers.
