States Marine Lines
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History

Karsten Kunibert Krüger-Kopiske © 2005

We receive email from people that have visited StatesMarineLines.com and IsthmianLines.com. It comes from ex-crew, their families, ex-passengers, ex-employees or people just interested in merchant marine shipping. Often, these notes contain information that should be viewed by the public or questions that might be better answered by the public. We thought we'd try the FORUM approach to get the information circulating. Please visit our FORUM and register before posting. We will respect your privacy. Then, post away. Search for an old shipmate. Tell us about yourself or a family member who sailed for Isthmian or States Marine. Ask a question. Tell us a good sea story. Do you have any old photos or memorabilia that you would like to tell us about? We are all looking forward to hearing from you.

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1930 Top
  • States Marine Corp. established by Henry Mercer.
1931 Top
  • Cornelius S. Walsh brought in by Henry Mercer as Secretary. Walsh later became investor in the company.
  • Not having enough money to purchase ships, they chartered foreign flagged vessels, running them as tramps, sailing whereever cargo was available. Gradually the company developed scheduled liner services, though always adjusting their vessel's schedules to follow cargo demand.


Photo courtesy of Earlham College © 2009 - All rights reserved.
At launch, 13 Jun 1945.


Photo courtesy of Bill Sewall © 2009 - All rights reserved.
Due to be scrapped, Dec 2009.


Photo courtesy of World Ship Society © 2009 - All rights reserved.
Circa 1951.

S.S. Earlham Victory

1934 Top
  • By mid year States Marine begins offering monthly service to South Africa.
1937 Top
  • Carrollton, 1903, 1,732 tons, acquired by Saginaw Dock and Terminal Co. of Cleveland, OH from Peterson Steamship Co. of Cleveland; States Marine Corp. listed as Managers.
1940 Top
  • Lone Star, 1919, 5,101 tons, acquired from Mississippi Shipping Co. of New Orleans, LA.
  • Wolverine, 1919, 4,990 tons, acquired from Export Steamship Co. of New York.
1941 Top
  • First appearance in Lloyd's Shipping Register and Merchant Vessels of the United States as:

    States Marine Corporation
    8 - 10 Bridge Street
    New York, NY

  • Atlantic Trader, 1918, 2,241 tons, acquired by Saginaw Dock and Terminal Co. of Cleveland, OH from Peterson Steamship Co. of Cleveland; States Marine Corp. listed as Managers.
  • Green Mountain, 1919, 4,988 tons, acquired by Federal Marine Corp. of New York from Black Diamond Steamship Co. of New York; States Marine Corp. listed as Managers.
  • Hoosier, 1920, 5,060 tons, acquired by Hoosier Marine Corp. of New York from Black Diamond Steamship Co. of New York; States Marine Corp. listed as Managers.
  • Keystone, 1919, 5,565 tons, acquired from Shepard Steamship Co. of Boston, MA.
1942 Top
  • July 9: The Hoosier, as member of Convoy PQ-17, irrepairably damaged by German bombers. Vessel abandoned by crew; all hands rescued. Abandoned vessel sunk by U-376.

Hoosier Photo courtesy of www.pq17.eclipse.co.uk © 2010 - All rights reserved.

As seen through the periscope when torpedoed by U-376.
10 July 1942


S.S. Hoosier

Built by:
American International Shipbuilding Corp.
Hog Island, PA
1920

States Marine service: 1941-1942

Sunk by German bombers and a torpedo from U-376, 1942.

more.....
1943 Top
  • March 13: The Keystone, after dropping out of convoy UGS-6 due to engine trouble, on voyage from New York to North Africa, sunk by U-172; 2 men killed, 71 rescued.

Charles O'Connor Photo courtesy of Charles O'Connor and family © 2010 - All rights reserved.


S.S. Keystone survivors

13 March 1943
Horta, Faial, Azore Islands

Charles O'Connor USN Armed Guard (arrow in back row) was one of the survivors.

Torpedoed and sunk by U-172, 1943.

more.....
1944 Top
  • Victory Ship operated for War Shipping Administration:
    Westerly Victory

Bayou State Photo courtesy of former crew member, Jesse Bryant © 2004 - All rights reserved.


S.S. Bayou State

as the U.S.S. Waukesha (AKA-84)
One World War II Battle Star.

Built by:
North Carolina Shipbuilding Co.
Wilmington, NC
1944

States Marine service: 1960-1970

Scrapped: 1970

more.....
1945 Top
  • Company listed as:

    States Marine Corporation (NY)
    90 Broad Street
    New York. NY

  • Victory Ships operated for War Shipping Administration:
    Mercer Victory
    Morgantown Victory
    Westerly Victory
  • Chipana, 1920, 3,280 tons, acquired from Grace Steamship Lines of New York.
  • Curaca, 1920, 3,280 tons, acquired from New Orleans and South American Steamship Co. of New Orleans, LA, a subsidiary of W.R. Grace.

Morgantown Victory Photo courtesy of Capt. Tom Ellsworth © 2004 - All rights reserved.


S.S. Morgantown Victory

Anchored off Yokosuka, Japan
6 December 1968
1946 Top
  • After the war States Marine bought surplus vessels at low prices and continued to charter both U.S. and foreign tonnage, retaining policy of moving ships among different routes to accomodate demand and maximize profits. Using charters, the size of it's fleet could be adjusted to meet market demands, joining conferences where beneficial, and competing as an outsider in other routes. States Marine pioneered the simultaneous operation of U.S. and foreign flagged ships.
  • Company now listed twice in Merchant Vessels of the United States:

    States Marine Corporation (NY)
    90 Broad Street
    New York, NY - owning 14 vessels

    States Marine Corporation (DE)
    90 Broad Street
    New York, NY - owning:

    Cotton State, C2, 1946, 6,103 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
    Empire State, C2, 1945, 6,214 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
    Garden State (1), C2, 1946, 6,103 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
    Golden State (1), C2, 1946, 6,103 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
    Hoosier State (1), EC2, 1944, 7,280 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
    Keystone State (1), EC2, 1944, 7,210 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
    Magnolia State (1), C2, 1946, 6,103 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
    Old Dominion State (1), EC2, 1944, 7,210 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
    Palmetto State (1), EC2, 1945, 7,207 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
    Volunteer State (1), EC2, 1944, 7,216 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
1947 Top
  • Atlantic Trader, owned by Saginaw Dock and Terminal Co. of Cleveland, OH, managed by States Marine Corp., sold to Foo Shin Steamship Co., Ltd. of Shanghai, China; renamed Hsin Foo Shin.
  • The following vessels were sold to Skibs A/S Eid of Oslo, Norway and flagged in Norway:Chipana, renamed Eidsli Curaca, renamed Eidsbu
  • The following vessels were sold to General Shipping Co., c/o States Marine Corp. and flagged in Panama:
    Green Mountain, owned by Federal Marine Corp. of New York, managed by States Marine Corp., renamed Ocean Wave
    Lone Star, renamed Ocean Trader
    Wolverine, renamed Ocean Rover
  • Blue Grass State (1), EC2, 1944, 7,247 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
  • Evergreen State (1), EC2, 1944, 7,247 tons, acquired from Global Transport Ltd. of Panama.
  • Lone Star State (1), EC2, 1945, 7,276 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
  • Peach Tree State, EC2, 1945, 7,212 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
  • Wolverine State (1), EC2, 1944, 7,211 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
  • In April the South African Marine Corp. (Safmarine), was established as the national shipping company of South Africa. The line was primarily established by Dr. H.J. van de Bijl, also a major figure in the establishment of the government owned South African Iron and Steel Corp. (ISCOR) and the Electricity Commission. The rest of the initiative came from Henry Mercer of States Marine.
  • States Marine bought a controlling interest in South African Marine Corp. (Safmarine). The company was headed by Mercer's old friend Air Marshal 'Bomber' Harris, famous for his bombing of Germany. The two companies split all cargo between the U.S. and South Africa. States Marine served as Agents in the U.S. and provided some of the ships, also assisting Safmarine acquire three surplus Victory Ships from the U.S. Government.
  • 65.9 ft, 56 ton yacht Bluejacket, built by Jakobson Shipyard in Oyster Bay, NY 1940, Home Port of New York, added to fleet of States Marine Corp. (NY), New York.
1948 Top
  • States Marine Corp. of Delaware opens office at 110 W. 10th St., Wilmington, Delaware.
1949 Top
  • Company now listed three times in Merchant Vessels of the United States:

    States Marine Corporation (NY)
    90 Broad Street
    New York, NY

    States Marine Corporation of Delaware
    90 Broad Street
    New York, NY

    States Marine Corporation of Delaware
    110 W. 10th Street
    Wilmington, Delaware

    Over the next 12 years, until 1961, vessels are acquired and transferred between these corporations, presumably for financial reasons.

  • Beaver State, VC2, 1944, 7,650 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
  • Buckeye State (1), VC2, 1945, 7,645 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
  • Constitution State (1), VC2, 1944, 7,613 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
  • Green Mountain State, VC2, 1945, 7,641 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.
  • Pelican State, VC2, 1944, 7,613 tons, acquired from U.S. Maritime Commission.

Oberlin Victory


S.S. Oberlin Victory

1950 Top
  • Victory Ships managed for the U.S. Government:
    Alamo Victory
    Brigham Victory
    Earlham Victory
    Kenyon Victory
    Loma Victory
    Oberlin Victory
    Ouachita Victory
    Sharon Victory
    Twin Falls Victory
    Wesleyan Victory

Alamo Victory Photo courtesy of Capt. Tom Ellsworth © 2004 - All rights reserved.


S.S. Alamo Victory

New York Bay
circa 1954
1951 Top
  • Victory Ships managed for the U.S. Government:
    Alamo Victory
    Brigham Victory
    Earlham Victory
    Kenyon Victory
    Loma Victory
    Oberlin Victory
    Occidental Victory
    Ouachita Victory
    Sharon Victory
    Twin Falls Victory
    Wesleyan Victory

Wesleyan Victory All rights reserved.


S.S. Wesleyan Victory

Los Angeles, Circa 1965

1952 Top
  • Victory Ships managed for the U.S. Government:
    Alamo Victory
    Beatrice Victory
    Earlham Victory
    Grove City Victory
    Kenyon Victory
    Loma Victory
    Oberlin Victory
    Occidental Victory
    Sharon Victory
    Twin Falls Victory
    Wesleyan Victory
  • Yacht Bluejacket sold to Warren MacPherson, renamed Westerly, Home Port of Boston, MA.
  • 79.4 ft, 81 ton yacht Bluejacket, built in Amsterdam, the Netherlands 1949,, Home Port of New York, added to fleet of States Marine Corp. (NY), New York. Yacht originally registered in the Netherlands as Lycon.

Occidental Victory Photo courtesy of Thornton H. Gogoll, Jr. © 2009 - All rights reserved.


S.S. Occidental Victory

1953 Top
  • Victory Ships managed for the U.S. Government:
    Loma Victory
    Oberlin Victory
    Sharon Victory
    Twin Falls Victory
  • 52.7 ft, 32 ton yacht Skipper, built in Jacksonville, FL 1952, Home Port of New York, added to fleet of States Marine Corp. (NY), New York.
1954 Top
  • States Marine took over management of Bloomfield Steamship Co., 906 Cotton Exchange Bldgs., Houston, TX, eventually gaining control of this company, retaining the name until all vessels disposed/scrapped by mid 1969. Bloomfield was originally founded after WW II by Ben M. Bloomfield, a former executive with Lykes Brothers Steamship Co., based in Houston, TX, acquiring surplus vessels to serve the Gulf region. Lykes blocked Bloomfield's subsidy application, resulting in Bloomfield selling its 3 surplus C2's and 80% of the stock to Farrell Lines, the owner of the remaining 20% of the stock. In 1951 Bloomfield, with local Texas backing, reestablished his company with 5 VC2s and 3 EC2s, servicing Europe and the Mediterranean from the Gulf. While Lykes couldn't block Bloomfield during the Korean War, with the U.S. Government's demand for shipping, following this war pressure was brought to bear, causing the passage of management to States Marine.
  • States Marine filed first application for vessel subsidies from the U.S. Government.
  • Old Dominion State (1), EC2, sold to United Steamship Corp. of Panama; renamed Henry Ulman and flagged in Panama.
  • Wolverine State (1), EC2, sold to Omnium Steamship Co. of New York; renamed Omnium Trader and flagged in Liberia.

Twin Falls Victory Photo courtesy of Gerhard L. Mueller-Debus © 2010 - All rights reserved.


S.S. Twin Falls Victory

as the SS John W. Brown II

Moored on the Hudson River while serving as New York City's Metropolitan Vocational High School training ship for maritime students.
May 1978

Scrapped: 1982

1955 Top
  • The following C4 vessels were acquired from Joshua Hendy Corp. of Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA.:
    Hoosier State (2), 1945, 10,780 tons
    Keystone State (2), 1945, 10,744 tons
    Wolverine State (2), 1945, 10,709 tons
  • Lone Star State (2), C3, 1943, 7,808 tons, acquired from Moore-McCormick Lines of New York.
  • Blue Grass State (1), EC2, sold to Alba Steamship Co. of New York; renamed Auburn.
  • Evergreen State (1), EC2, sold to Cia De Transporte Y Navegacion S.A.; renamed Marcell M.H. and flagged in Liberia.
  • Hoosier State (1), EC2, sold to American Union Transport Inc. of New York; renamed Transamerican.
  • Keystone State (1), EC2, sold to United Steamship Corp. of Panama; renamed Georges Fribourg and flagged in Panama.
  • Lone Star State (1), EC2, sold to Ace Steamship Corp. of New York; renamed Anniston.
  • Palmetto State (1), EC2, sold to Bethelem Steel's Calmar Steamship Corp. of New York; renamed Flomar.
  • Peach Tree State, EC2, sold to Aqualinda Compania Navera S.A.; renamed Zuider Zee and flagged in Liberia.
  • Volunteer State (1), EC2, sold to Alaska Steam Ship Co. of Seattle, WA; renamed Fortuna.
1956 Top
  • March 6: Isthmian Lines, Inc. purchased for an estimated $30 million from U.S. Steel by States Marine Corporation. In retrospect, U.S. Steel had made a good business decision in disposing of its obsolete fleet, thereby avoiding altogether the problem of replacing its break-bulk vessels. This acquisition hit shipping circles "like a bombshell" because it was the largest single shipping purchase in memory. Physical transfer of the fleet was expected to be completed by the end of the month. Ralph Blough, Chariman of the Board of U.S. Steel, explained that U.S. Steel's need for these ships was over. The addition of Isthmian's 24 vessels makes States Marine the largest unsubsidized U.S. flag firm and came close to challenging U.S. Lines in size. Henry Mercer, President of States Marine, seeing increasing demand for U.S. flagged tonnage, was acquiring a fast fleet to supplant their heavy use of "time chartered" ships. Plus, they acquired Isthmian's world wide web of agents and contacts with resources and a reputation for service unexcelled in the international shipping business.
  • At this point, States Marine's future plans were dependant upon their pending application with the U.S. Maritime Commission for an operational differential subsidy for four cargo services, including plans to build 30 new cargo liners at a cost of $232,000,000 over the next 15 years, ready to begin the first 6 for $42,000,000 contingent upon the award of the subsidy.
  • At the time of the purchase, Isthmian was exclusively SIU and States Marine exclusively NMU.
  • Golden State (2), VC2, 1944, 7,598 tons, acquired from Bloomfield Steamship Co. of Houston, TX.
  • The following vessels were sold to Bloomfield Steamship Co. of Houston, TX:
    Cotton State (1), C2, renamed Alice Brown
    Golden State (1),C2, renamed Lucille Bloomfield

Britain Victory Photo courtesy of Capt. Tom Ellsworth © 2004 - All rights reserved.


S.S. Britain Victory

San Diego Naval Supply Center
26 June 1967
1957 Top
  • Name of Buckeye State (1) changed to Garden State (2).
  • The following vessels were acquired from Bloomfield Steamship Co. of Houston, TX.:
    Cotton State (2), VC2, 1945, 7,608 tons
    Magnolia State (2), VC2, 1945, 7,737 tons
    Palmetto State (2), VC2, 1945, 7,604 tons
    Volunteer State (2), VC2, 1945, 7,689 tons
  • Carrollton, owned by Saginaw Dock and Terminal Co. of Cleveland, OH, managed by States Marine Corp., sold to Oglebay Norton Co. of Wilmington, DE; name retained.
  • The following vessels were sold to Bloomfield Steamship Co. of Houston, TX:
    Garden State (1), C2, renamed Margarett Brown
    Magnolia State (1),C2, renamed Neva West
  • Victory Ships managed for the U.S. Department of Commerce:
    Alma Victory
    Beloit Victory
    Binghampton Victory
    Britain Victory
    Clovis Victory
    Creighton Victory
    Iran Victory
    Knox Victory
    Simmons Victory

Creighton Victory Photo courtesy of Capt. Tom Ellsworth © 2004 - All rights reserved.


S.S. Creighton Victory

San Diego Naval Supply Center
2 August 1967
1958 Top
  • Victory Ships managed for the U.S. Department of Commerce:
    Alma Victory
    Binghampton Victory
    Clovis Victory
    Rock Springs Victory
    Simmons Victory

Simmons Victory Photo courtesy of Aubrey Wiley © 2014 - All rights reserved.


S.S. Simmons Victory

Sewalls Point, Norfolk, Va.
13 August 1957
1959 Top
  • Company now listed four times in Merchant Vessels of the United States:

    States Marine Corporation (NY)
    90 Broad Street
    New York 4, NY

    States Marine Corporation of Delaware
    90 Broad Street
    New York 4, NY

    States Marine Corporation of Delaware
    110 W. 10th Street
    Wilmington, Delaware

    States Marine Corporation (NY)
    820 Third Street
    Seattle 4, Washington
    - The only vessel this company owned was the Westerly, a 79 ft., 98 ton yacht.

  • 79.4 ft, 98 ton yacht Bluejacket , built in Amsterdam, Netherlands 1959, renamed Westerly, Home Port transferred from New York to Seattle, registered to States Marine Corp. (NY), Seattle, WA.
  • 101.9 ft, 193 ton yacht Blue Jacket, built in Amsterdam, the Netherlands 1958, added to fleet of States Marine Corp. (NY), New York, Home Port of New York.
  • In an effort to qualify for subsidies, as directed by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), States Marine sold it's very profitable 54% stake in Safmarine, as well as pay the loans taken out to purchase the Isthmian vessels. The Committee of American Steamship Lines representing the subsidized companies campaigned to keep States Marine from receiving subsidies, delaying for years any decision on the subsidy application.
  • Created Global Bulk Transport Co., 90 Broad St., New York. It was stated this company was to receive all foreign flagged ships so they could continue to operate until buyers could be found. All ships transferred to Global Bulk by States Marine remained U.S. flagged until sold or scrapped. The yachts owned by States Marine Corp. (NY) were eventually transferred to this company.

Beloit Victory


S.S. Beloit Victory

1960 Top
  • Company listed four times in Merchant Vessels of the United States:

    States Marine Corporation (NY)
    90 Broad Street
    New York 4, NY
    - Final appearance for this company

    States Marine Corporation of Delaware
    110 W. 10th Street
    Wilmington, Delaware
    - Final appearance for this company

    States Marine Corporation (NY)
    820 Third Street
    Seattle 4, Washington
    - Final appearance for this company

    States Marine Lines, Inc. (DE)
    90 Broad Street
    New York 4, NY
    - First appearance for this company

  • Sooner State, C2, 1945, 8,292 tons, acquired from Grace Lines, Inc.
  • The following vessels were sold to Global Bulk Transport Co. of New York, comprising their original fleet:
    Garden State (2), VC2, originally Buckeye State (1), name retained
    Empire State, C2, name retained
    Hoosier State (2), C4, name retained
  • The following vessels, C2 and C3s, were acquired from Luckenbach Steamship Co. of New York and Philadelphia, PA.:
    Aloha State, C3, 1943, 7,870 tons
    Badger State, C2, 1944, 8,166 tons
    Bay State, C2, 1944, 8,162 tons
    Bayou State, C2, 1944, 8,162 tons
    Blue Grass State (2), C2, 1944, 8,170 tons
    Buckeye State (2), C3, 1943, 7,868 tons
    Copper State, C3, 1943, 7,838 tons
    Evergreen State (2), C3, 1943, 7,959 tons
    Gopher State, C3, 1944, 7,870 tons
1961 Top
  • Company listed as:

    States Marine Lines, Inc. (DE)
    90 Broad Street
    New York 4, NY

  • Yacht Skipper sold by States Marine Corp. (NY) of New York. to Global Bulk Transport Co. of New York.
  • Yacht Westerly sold by States Marine Corp. (NY) of Seattle, WA. to Global Bulk Transport Co. of New York.
  • Yacht Blue Jacket sold by States Marine Corp. (NY) of New York to Global Bulk Transport Co. of New York.

Savannah Photo courtesy of Capt. Tom Ellsworth © 2004 - All rights reserved.


N.S. Savannah

Nuclear Ship, cargo

Built by:
New York Shipbuilding Co.
Camden, NJ
1958

States Marine service: 1962-1963

The Savannah is layed up at:
Canton Marine Terminal - Pier 13
4601 Newgate Ave
Baltimore, MD 21224

more.....
1962 Top
  • The nuclear-powered, cargo ship, Savannah, 1958, 13,559 tons, managed for the U.S. Department of Commerce.
  • Evergreen State (2), C3, sold to Global Bulk Transport Co. of New York; name retained.
1963 Top
  • Operation of N.S. Savannah transferred to American Export Lines of New York by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Garden State All rights reserved.


S.S. Garden State #2

The S.S. Alaska Maru was struck on its port side by the S.S. Garden State on 24 January 1964. She was anchored in heavy fog off Egmont Key, about 12 miles from the entrance to Tampa Bay.

more.....
1965 Top
  • It had become clear the subsidies would never be approved, so Cornelius Walsh sold his share to Henry Mercer, using the proceeds to purchase Waterman Steamship Corp., a subsidized line.
  • Victory Ship managed for the U.S. Government:
    Gainesville Victory
1966 Top
  • Victory Ship managed for the U.S. Government:
    Gainesville Victory
1967 Top
  • Pine Tree State, C3, 1943, 7,950 tons, acquired from Central Gulf Steamship Corp. of New Orleans, LA.
  • Victory Ship managed for the U.S. Government:
    Gainesville Victory
1968 Top
  • Old Dominion State (2), 1963, 8,072 tons, acquired from Great Eastern Steamship Co., Ltd. of Bombay, India.
  • Beaver State, VC2, sold to Geneva Steamship Co. of New York; renamed Silver Eagle.
  • Victory Ship managed for the U.S. Government:
    Gainesville Victory
  • Tankore Corp. listed in Lloyd's Owner's Register as subsidiary of Global Bulk Transport Corp., owing a single vessel, Weatherly, built in 1968 in Japan, flagged in Liberia.
1969 Top
  • Santa Fe International Corp. offers $101 million in stock to purchase States Marine from Henry Mercer but retracts offer.
  • Constitution State (1), VC2, sold to Harry L. Morrow of New York; renamed Silver Hawk.
  • Pelican State, VC2, sold to Oswego Steamship Co., Inc. of New York; renamed Silver Robin.
  • September: Constitution State (2), C3, 1943, 8,095 tons, acquired from Isthmian Lines, Inc.
  • Sunshine State, 1963, 10,435 tons, acquired from Skibs A/S Skagerak of Oslo, Norway.
  • December 26: Badger State, C2, abandoned in Pacific, 1,500 miles N.W. of Hawaii after explosion in cargo of bombs destined for Vietnam.
  • Freight barge Wisco Ranger, 260 ft,, 1,229 tons, acquired from builder.
  • Freight barge Wisco Trader, 260 ft,, 1,229 tons, acquired from builder.
  • Tankore Corp. adds Buckeye, built in 1967 in Japan, flagged in Liberia.
  • Last vessels owned by Bloomfield Steamship Co. scrapped. Final appearance in the 1968 - 1969 Lloyd's Shipping Register.
1970 Top
  • January 5: Badger State, C2, sunk in Pacific; only a few of the crew of approximately 45 were saved.
  • North Star State, C3, 1946, 7,667 tons, acquired from Moore-McCormick Lines of New York.
  • The following vessels were sold to Reliance Carriers and flagged in Panama:
    Blue Grass State (2), C2, renamed Reliance Cordiality
    Green Mountain State, VC2, renamed Reliance Solidarity
    Palmetto State (2), VC2, renamed Reliance Sincerity
    Sooner State, C2, renamed Reliance Dignity
    Volunteer State (2), VC2, renamed Reliance Fraternity
  • Pelican State, VC2, sold to West Pacific Steamship Co.; renamed Pacrobin and flagged in Panama.
  • April: Lone Star State (2) scrapped Kaohsiung
  • May: Cotton State (2) scrapped Kaohsiung
  • June: Golden State (2) scrapped Kaohsiung Magnolia State (2) scrapped Kaohsiung
  • October: Bay State scrapped Kaohsiung Bayou State scrapped Kaohsiung
  • In November, Henry Mercer retires as Chairman of States Marine causing the family and heirs to begin to liquidate their investment in ships during the 1970s.

Badger State

S.S. Badger State

as the USS Starlight (AP 175)
Four World War II Battle Stars.

Built by:
North Carolina Shipbuilding Co.
Wilmington, NC
1944

States Marine service: 1960-1970

Lost at sea: 1970

more.....
1971 Top
  • Two listings in Merchant Vessels of the United States for company:States Marine Lines, Inc. (DE) 90 Broad Street New York, NY 10004 - Listed as owning the majority of the "State" fleet plus the Wisco Ranger and Wisco Trader. States Marine International, Inc. (DE) 90 Broad Street New York, NY 10004 - Listed as owning Aloha State and North Star State.
  • States Marine vessels still sailing to Europe and Vietnam, Isthmian on regular routes and Vietnam. Vessels being scrapped and increasing the remaining operations being run by the subsidiary Global Bulk Transport.
  • July issue of Marine News lists States Marine International, Inc. as selling two 11,852 ton Motor Vessels named Ranier and Rushmore to Koninklijke Nedlloyd N.V., Netherlands while fitting out in 1970. Ranier renamed Nedlloyd Kyoto and Rushmore renamed Nedlloyd Kimberley.
  • June: Constitution State (2) scrapped Kaohsiung
  • July:North Star State scrapped Kaohsiung
  • August: Aloha State scrapped Kaohsiung
  • November:Wolverine State (2) scrapped Kaohsiung
  • Global Bulk Transport Corp. sells Garden State to Reliance Carriers.
1972 Top
  • Two listings in Merchant Vessels of the United States for company:States Marine Lines, Inc. (DE) 90 Broad Street New York, NY 10004 - Listed as owning the Buckeye State, Wisco Ranger and Wisco Trader. States Marine International, Inc. (DE) 90 Broad Street New York, NY 10004 - Listed as owning Copper State, Gopher State, Keystone State and Pine Tree State.
  • January: Keystone State (2) scrapped Kaohsiung.
  • Sunshine State, sold to Oswego Latex Carrier Corp; renamed Oswego Tapper and flagged in Liberia.
  • Wisco Ranger sold and flagged in Panama.
  • Remaining three Global Bulk Transport Corp. vessels scrapped:
    May:Empire State and Evergreen State
    October:Hoosier State
  • Final appearance for Global Bulk Transport in 1971 - 1972 Lloyd's Shipping Register.
1973 Top
  • Final two listings in Merchant Vessels of the United States for company:States Marine Lines, Inc. (DE) 90 Broad Street New York, NY 10004 - Listed as owning the Buckeye State and Wisco Trader. States Marine International, Inc. (DE) 90 Broad Street New York, NY 10004 - Listed as owning Copper State, Gopher State and Pine Tree State.
  • Wisco Trader sold and flagged in Panama.
  • April: Copper State scrapped Kaohsiung
  • May: Pine Tree State scrapped Kaohsiung
  • June: Gopher State scrapped Kaohsiung
  • September: Buckeye State (2) scrapped Kaohsiung
  • Old Dominion State (2), sold to Oswego Latex Carrier Corp; renamed Oswego Planter and flagged in Liberia.
1974 Top
  • Final listing of company officers as reported by the 1974 Marine Dictionary: President: D. D. Mercer Vice President: E. E. Davis Vice President: Q. V. Ryan Treasurer: J. W. Johnson Purchasing Agent: J. S. Bates
  • As with most American Steamship Companies of this era, States Marine failed to make the transition into bulk container cargo, requiring replacement of the fleet.
1979 Top
  • Tankore Corp. sells its two vessels:
    March: Weatherly
    August: Buckeye

Weatherly Photo courtesy of Capt. Tom Ellsworth © 2004 - All rights reserved.


S.S. Weatherly

Osaka, Japan
26 July 1969
References: Top
  • A Historical Dictionary of the U.S. Merchant Marine and Shipping Industry by Rene de la Pedraja
  • The Rise and Decline of U.S. Merchant Shipping in the Twentieth Century by Rene de la Pedraja
  • Seaports South of Sahara by Robert G. Albion

The information on this web site is the kind contribution of our Historian, Skip Lewis, © 2003. Skip, whose dad sailed for Isthmian, is an avid collector and researcher of everything Isthmian and States Marine. In his quest, he has used many sources and publications including Lloyd's of London and Imperial Steel by John Atherton.

If you have any questions about, or information for, this website, please contact us.

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