History

Historical Summary
Horizon Lines has its roots in the advent of containerized shipping. In 1956, our predecessor, Sea-Land Service, introduced ocean-borne containerization with a shipment of containers aboard the Ideal-X, a converted World War II T-2 oil tanker, from Port Newark, New Jersey to Port of Houston, Texas.  We introduced container shipping to the Puerto Rico market in 1958, and pioneered container shipping to Alaska in 1958, with the first year-round scheduled vessel service.  In 1987, we began providing container shipping services between the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii and Guam through our acquisition from an existing carrier of all of its vessels and certain other assets that were already serving that market.  Sea-Land was acquired by CSX Corp. in 1986.  In 1997, Sea-Land led the refrigerated container industry by launching the first fleet of advanced humidity control refrigerated containers.  In 1999, CSX sold the international ocean business to Maersk, retaining the domestic ocean shipping business as CSX Lines. In 2003, CSX Lines was sold to The Carlyle Group, an American-based global asset management firm.  Under Carlyle’s ownership, our company’s name was changed to Horizon Lines and sold to Castle Harlan, a leading private equity investment firm, in 2004.  In September of 2005, Horizon Lines successfully launched an Initial Public Offering and in 2006, Castle Harlan sold its remaining stake in the company.  In 2011, we discontinued our trans-Pacific service between the U.S. West Coast, China and Guam, focusing on our core business between the U.S. mainland, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Historical Timeline (1956-Present)
This historical timeline is condensed and is not a complete rendition of all events.

2010s

2012 | 2011 | 2010

2012
On July 2, the company announces that it has received recognition from the Chamber of Shipping of America for its record of safety.  Six Horizon Lines vessels and their crews are presented with the Jones F. Devlin Award for safety. Together, the six vessels have logged 18 total years without a crewmember losing a full turn at watch because of an occupational injury.  At the same event, Horizon Reliance Captain James J. Kelleher and his crew receive the Top Honor Safety Achievement Award for the dramatic rescue of three persons from a foundering sailboat during a nighttime storm 400 miles east of Honolulu in February.

On June 7th, Horizon Lines names Sam Woodward President and Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. Woodward succeeds interim President and CEO Stephen H. Fraser, who served in that position since March 2011, when then Chairman, President and CEO Charles G. “Chuck” Raymond retired.

On April 9th, Horizon Lines completes transactions with its noteholders, and with Ship Finance International Limited and certain of its subsidiaries, to substantially deleverage the company’s balance sheet and terminate the company’s five vessel charter obligations related to its discontinued trans-Pacific service. “These transactions successfully close a chapter in the history of Horizon Lines that we have been working diligently to complete for these past many months,” says Stephen H. Frasier, interim President and CEO. “Horizon Lines moves forward today from a stronger financial position that will enable us to better focus on customers in our core Jones Act trades and to invest in the future of our business.”

On April 4th, Horizon Lines announces that it has been awarded the 2011 Platinum Carrier Award by home improvement retailer Lowe’s Companies Inc.  Horizon Lines is the only Jones Act carrier to receive a 2011 award from Lowe’s for domestic ocean transportation service.  The 2011 award marks the sixth consecutive year that Horizon Lines has received Lowe’s Platinum Carrier Award, and the 11th consecutive year that Horizon has been honored with a Lowe’s award for providing consistently superior service.

On March 7th, Horizon Lines issues a report presenting the company’s progress in pursuing environmental excellence through its ongoing Green initiatives. The report describes the carrier’s efforts to mitigate environmental impact from shipping operations and intermodal transport.  It comes two months after Horizon Lines reaches a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice on two counts of oil record-keeping violations on a containership in the U.S. West Coast-Hawaii service. The company responds promptly and proactively to the discovery of these violations.  As part of the company’s environmental review, Horizon Lines conducts a fleet-wide audit and cooperates fully with the DOJ, the U.S. Coast Guard and other authorities involved.  It also immediately implements a compliance and training program and establishes the position of Environmental Compliance Director. 

On February 8th, a Horizon Lines vessel en route to Hawaii from the U.S. West Coast rescues a family of three, including a nine-year-old boy, whose sailboat is foundering in stormy seas. Captain James Kelleher and the crew of the 893-foot Horizon Reliance containership are directed by the U.S. Coast Guard to alter course to assist the 33-ft. sailboat and its crew. The sailboat is found adrift and without its mast in the extreme conditions, with winds gusting to 50 mph and seas swelling above 20 feet.

2011
In November, Horizon Lines reaches a settlement agreement with all the remaining significant shippers that opted out of the Puerto Rico direct purchaser antitrust class-action settlement.  In doing so, the company brings to a closure the last major financial exposure relating to antitrust claims involving the Puerto Rico Tradelane.   Earlier in the year, Horizon reaches resolution with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, pleading guilty to one charge of violating federal antitrust laws with respect to the Puerto Rico Tradelane, and paying the first installment of a $15 million fine, payable over five years.  Horizon Lines has been cooperating with the DOJ since the company became aware of the investigation in April 2008.

In October, Horizon Lines completes a comprehensive refinancing of the company’s entire capital structure. “We have put in place a solid financial foundation that affords us the opportunity to grow our business and significantly reduce debt over time,” says Stephen H. Fraser, Interim President and CEO.   Later in the month, the company announces it will discontinue its Five Star Express (FSX) trans-Pacific container shipping service between the U.S. West Coast, Guam and China. “We do not expect any measurable improvements in fuel prices, the freight-rate environment or in this trade lane for the foreseeable future,” notes Brian Taylor, Executive Vice President and COO. “Growing capacity continues to outpace demand and the forecast for 2012 calls for more of the same.”

In September, Horizon Lines announces that it has received the 2011 Quest for Quality Award from Logistics Management Magazine and been named a top Green Supply Chain Partner by Inbound Logistics Magazine.  The Quest for Quality Award, regarded in the transportation and logistics industry as one of the most reputable measure of customer satisfaction and performance excellence, has been awarded to Horizon Lines for four of the past five years.

In June, the company receives recognition from the Chamber of Shipping of America and the United States Coast Guard for its record of safety and stewardship.  The Chamber honors four Horizon Lines vessels with the Jones F. Devlin awards, which recognize vessels that have operated for at least two years without a crewmember losing a full turn a watch because of an occupational injury.  The Coast Guard recognizes Horizon lines for its long-standing participation in and support or the Coast Guard’s  Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System, known as AMVER.

In February, Horizon Lines’ Board of Directors names board member Stephen H. Fraser as interim President and CEO, succeeding Charles G. “Chuck” Raymond, who retires.   Alex J. Mandl is named Chairman of the Board.

2010
In December, the Chamber of Shipping of America honors Horizon Lines with environmental excellence recognition.  With a combined total of 76 consecutive years of operation without any environmental incidents, 12 Horizon Lines vessels are recognized for environmental achievement.

On December 5th, the Horizon Hawk departs from Shanghai for Los Angeles on the company’s first FSX trans-Pacific service voyage.  The first sailing follows the company’s announcement in February that it plans to commence a weekly trans-Pacific liner service between Asia and the U.S. West Coast.  The company also announces it will exit the third-party logistics business and no longer report Logistics as a separate business segment.

In June, Horizon Lines receives recognition from the United States Coast Guard and the Chamber of Shipping of America for its record of safety and stewardship.

In February, Horizon Lines renews its terminal services agreement with APM Terminals North America to service Horizon vessels at most of its U.S. ports through 2016.

In January, Horizon Lines enters into a new agreement for terminal operations at the Port of Oakland, teaming up with Ports America to service the cargo moving through the port between the U.S. mainland, Hawaii, Guam and Micronesia.

2000s

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

2009
In September, Horizon Lines announces a vessel call at the Port of Tampa will be added to the carrier’s Gulf Express Service (GAX). The Tampa service launches on October 4th with the arrival of the Horizon Discovery.

In August, Drewry Shipping Consultants releases a report placing Horizon Lines at the top of the list of ocean carriers worldwide for schedule reliability in the second quarter 2009 with 100% on time performance. Horizon Lines has been continually recognized for schedule integrity, vessel maintenance and safety programs, while making efficiency gains to help mitigate the environmental impact from its ships.

In August, Horizon Lines participates in anti-piracy system trials aboard the Horizon Crusader and Horizon Challenger. Charles G. Raymond, Chairman, President & CEO, Horizon Lines Inc. said of the anti-piracy testing, "While Horizon Lines has never encountered any threats of piracy in the lanes we serve; we made it a priority to have two vessels available, along with our support staff and vessel operations experts to participate in these trials. It’s critical to share new ideas, technology and experience because a risk to any mariner at sea is a risk to all of us.”

On February 8th, three gantry cranes purchased jointly by Horizon Lines, Inc. and Matson Navigation Company arrive via barge in the port of Guam. The refurbished cranes are positioned to equip Guam with modern, reliable transportation infrastructure to support projected growth in cargo volumes over the next decade. 

2008
In November, Horizon Lines introduces ReeferPlus®GPS container tracking and shipment monitoring solution for refrigerated ocean containers moving between the continental U.S. and Puerto Rico. Key capabilities include real-time container tracking, in-box sensors reporting temperature, atmosphere and security updates; as well as remote monitoring and adjusting of reefer conditions via the web. 

On August 5th, Horizon Lines celebrates 50 years of service to Puerto Rico at a dockside reception in the port of San Juan. Sea-Land Service operating as Pan-Atlantic Steamship Corp initiated container service to San Juan with the arrival of the M/V Fairland, a converted C-2 freighter, on August 5, 1958.

In February, Horizon Lines joins the SmartWay Transport Partnership and earns the highest fuel efficiency and environmental performance rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The SmartWay program is a collaboration between the EPA and the freight industry designed to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

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.

 

1990s

1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990

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.
 

1980s

1989 | 1988 | 1987 | 1986 | 1985 | 1984 | 1983 | 1982 | 1981 | 1980

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.
 

1970s

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 its 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.
 

1960s

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.
 

1950s

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.