Mark Szakonyi, Daily Content Editor | Feb 08, 2012 12:18PM EST
The new president of Sea Star Line says “structural changes will be essential” so the Jones Act carrier can reinvest in coming years.
Peter Keller, who succeeds Steve Hastings, served as a consultant and key advisor during the recent restructuring of Jacksonville, Fla.-based Sea Star. The former executive vice president and chief operating officer at NYK Group Americas has 14 years of experience in the U.S. mainland-Puerto Rico trade market.
“Peter knows this market and has a long history in this trade. He brings insight, experience and vision for the future. We are fortunate to have him join the TOTE, Inc. and Sea Star team,” said Anthony Chiarello, president of TOTE, Sea Star Line’s parent organization.
Aside from weak demand and fierce competition on the U.S. mainland-Puerto Rico trade lane, Sea Star faces the challenge of operating and likely replacing an aging fleet. Sea Star’s three trailer ships were built in the mid-1970s and updated in the mid-1990s.
-- Contact Mark Szakonyi at mszakonyi@joc.com. Follow him on Twitter @Szakonyi_JOC