Governor Tom Corbett Welcomes Horizon Lines to Philadelphia

Led by Governor Tom Corbett and political and business leaders from across the region, the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal welcomed Horizon Lines, Inc., one of  the nation’s premier containerized cargo shipping lines, to Philadelphia.

The arrival of Horizon Lines, which has relocated its Northeast port of call from Elizabeth, New Jersey to Philadelphia, marks yet another milestone for the Port of Philadelphia.  Under terms of the agreement between Horizon and Packer, reached with the assistance of Governor Corbett and other Commonwealth officials, Horizon will call Packer 52 times a year, providing weekly service between the Northeast U.S. and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Today is a great day for the Port and for the people of Pennsylvania,” said Governor Corbett.  “I am delighted to welcome Horizon Lines to Philadelphia.

“Horizon Lines is a terrific new addition to the Port of Philadelphia and the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal,” continued Corbett.  “Horizon will expand opportunities for Pennsylvania businesses throughout the Caribbean region.  What’s more, the arrival of Horizon demonstrates the progress we can make when the public and private sector work together for the good of our port and our region.”

The Horizon relocation to Packer from Elizabeth, New Jersey will create an estimated 400 full-time direct and related jobs at the Port, which will generate a projected $3.0 million in tax revenues for the City and the Commonwealth.

“This is a big win for our Port and our region,” said Tom Holt, Jr., President of Astro Holdings Inc., the lessee for Packer Avenue Marine Terminal in South Philadelphia. “Packer provides Horizon Lines with excellent and efficient service, allowing Horizon to serve its customers more effectively.  And for us, Horizon provides a great new direct trade connection with Puerto Rico.”

Sam Woodward, President and CEO of Horizon Lines, added:  “We expect that the Port of Philadelphia’s strategic location, along with the Packer’s long-time expertise, will deliver significant advantages for Horizon Lines’ customers.   Horizon is all about efficiency, innovation and service and we are sure that with this move, our customers will be very well served.”

Joining Governor Corbett at the ceremony were Leo A. Holt, President of Holt Logistics Corp. and James T. McDermott Jr., Executive Director of the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority.