By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

HORIZON Lines has started 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.
Starting today, Horizon Lines of Guam offers through bills of lading service between Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae, Yap and Palau and the United States.
Shipments between the U.S. and Guam, Tinian and Rota will continue to be booked with Horizon Lines LLC.
According to Brian Taylor, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Horizon Lines, Horizon Lines of Guam will offer competitive transit times and frequencies to these points.
The new offering will utilize Horizon Line vessels for service between U.S. mainland ports and Guam, with the FSM Line providing service between Guam and Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae, and Western Pacific Shipping providing service between Guam and Yap and Palau.
Customers will be able to book cargo directly for these destinations through a special toll-free number (888) SHP-HRZG, which will also make available rate quotes and answer all other customer service inquiries.
Sailing schedules, rates and accessing other pertinent information about this new service is available on the Web at http://www.hlguam.com.
Meanwhile, Horizon Lines chairman, president and chief executive officer Chuck Raymond said 2007 is shaping up to be another excellent year for the carrier.
“We continue to see solid market conditions in each of our trade lanes. Additionally, our TP1 vessel deliveries remain on schedule and the performance of our new ships is exceeding our expectations. Our Horizon Edge program is already delivering benefits and we expect a minimum of $13 million in cost savings throughout the year,” Raymond said in a statement.
As a result of these developments, Raymond said Horizon Lines is looking forward to achieving its financial goals in 2007.