Holt Logistics Corp. announced that Horizon Lines, a shipping company servicing the U.S. East Coast and Puerto Rico, will move its Northeast Port of Call to Philadelphia, from Elizabeth, N.J., starting in April.

The arrival of Horizon provides the Port of Philadelphia with a major new carrier that will provide an outstanding opportunity to expand trade connections between the Greater Philadelphia region, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The parties anticipate that Horizon will be calling Philadelphia on a weekly basis starting on April 11th.

“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 a better service and a more efficient alternative. That allows them to service their customers more effectively. And for us, Horizon provides a great new direct trade connection with Puerto Rico and the Caribbean region.”

Horizon’s decision will mean approximately 400 direct and indirect new jobs at the Port, Port-related businesses, and the region. “Horizon Lines is a big fish in our pond,” continued Holt. “We look forward to helping them service their customers and continuing to expand trade activity for our region.”