by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - This time tomorrow night, we'll be hearing information regarding concerns and possible impacts Horizon Lines' pullout from Guam will have on the Port Authority of Guam and the community. Matson is preparing for this transition period as it will become the only shipping carrier on Guam.

Following last week's announcement that Horizon Lines would discontinue service and pull out of Guam, Matson Navigation has assured the community that it will do its best to fill the void left by Horizon. Today, Matson Senior Vice President Vic Angoco tells KUAM News that he is continuing to work with the Port Authority of Guam as well as with Horizon Lines to discuss several concerns. He said, "Because that's a big question that a lot of the customers have is will Matson have enough chassis to support the community with the increase in loads coming on our ships, should there not be a replacement carrier put in place as soon as Horizon stops service."

Angoco says he's heard of a few other carriers possibly coming to Guam, but the question remains when. Meanwhile, the company has reviewed its assets and equipment to see if it can handle the load. "So we're making sure that we position enough equipment, containers, reefers into the different locations on the West Coast as well as in those locations to make sure we can meet the booking demand should that time come and we have to carry the load for Guam," he detailed.

He adds Matson can handle any vessel issues as it has three ships coming off the coast every week. Although he hoped for an increase volume in services due to the military buildup, its delay won't have as a drastic affect as it had on horizon lines.

Meanwhile, the company is adjusting but its staff and services will remain the same. Angoco said, "In this kind of a situation, you don't want to over react because once another carrier comes in, it goes back then you're kind of stuck with too many assets and you have to adjust again…allay any fears that we're not out here to take this or use this as an opportunity to gouge the community, raise the rates and take advantage of the situation because that's not what we're about."

Angoco says it's unfortunate to lose a U.S. carrier presence, especially one where he started his career 21 years ago. Following a meeting with the Guam Chamber of Commerce this morning, Angoco will be attending an information briefing at the Guam Legislature regarding the impact of port operations as a result of Horizon Lines terminating its Guam service.

The hearing is set for Thursday at 6:30 at the Public Hearing Room.