States Marine Lines

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. Click here to go to the States Marine - Isthmian Lines FORUM.

We got an email from Fred Koster of Seattle. He scanned some photos from an old scrapbook that has been laying around the MMP union hall for at least 20 years. They show the Beaver State, the Steel Seafarer, the Thunderbird and the Hawaiian Trader (Matson?). We love old photos. Thanks for thinking of us, Fred. Click here to see the photos.

1930

• States Marine Corp. established by Henry Mercer.

1931

• 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.

1934

• By mid year States Marine begins offering monthly service to South Africa.
  
  
  N.S. Savannah, the first nuclear-powered cargo ship
  

1937

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

1943

• 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.

1944

• Victory Ship operated for War Shipping Administration:
  Westerly Victory
  
  
  
  Morgantown Victory at anchor off Yokosuka, Japan, 6 December 1968.
  Photo courtesy of Capt. Tom Ellsworth Copyright © 2004-2008 - All rights reserved. Do not reproduce. If anyone wants copies, please email Tom at tbells@cox.net.
  

1945

• 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.

1946

• 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.
  
  
  
  Gopher State in the Western Pacific, 23 July 1971.
  Photo courtesy of Capt. Tom Ellsworth Copyright © 2004-2008 - All rights reserved. Do not reproduce. If anyone wants copies, please email Tom at tbells@cox.net.
  

1947

• 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 in Oyster Bay, NY 1940, Home Port of New York, added to fleet of States Marine Corp. (NY), New York.

1948

• States Marine Corp. of Delaware opens office at 110 W. 10th St., Wilmington, Delaware.

1949

• 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.
  
  
  
  Alamo Victory in New York Bay with a McAllister tug alongside, circa 1954.
  Photo courtesy of Capt. Tom Ellsworth Copyright © 2004-2008 - All rights reserved. Do not reproduce. If anyone wants copies, please email Tom at tbells@cox.net.
  

1950

• 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
  Westlayan Victory

1951

• 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
  Westlayan Victory

1952

• 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
  Westlayan 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.

1953

• 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

• 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.
  
  
  
  Keystone State #2 entering New York Harbor, 25 September 1964.
  Photo courtesy of Capt. Tom Ellsworth Copyright © 2004-2008 - All rights reserved. Do not reproduce. If anyone wants copies, please email Tom at tbells@cox.net.
  

1955

• 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

• 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 moored at the San Diego Naval Supply Center pier, 26 June 1967.
  Photo courtesy of Capt. Tom Ellsworth Copyright © 2004-2008 - All rights reserved. Do not reproduce. If anyone wants copies, please email Tom at tbells@cox.net.
  

1957

• 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

1958

• Victory Ships managed for the U.S. Department of Commerce:
  Alma Victory
  Binghampton Victory
  Clovis Victory
  Rock Springs Victory
  Simmons Victory
  
  
  
  Creighton Victory moored at the San Diego Naval Supply Center pier, 2 August 1967.
  Photo courtesy of Capt. Tom Ellsworth Copyright © 2004-2008 - All rights reserved. Do not reproduce. If anyone wants copies, please email Tom at tbells@cox.net.
  

1959

• 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.
  
  
  S.S. Buckeye State #2
  

1960

• 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
  
  
  
  Bayou State as the USS Waukesha during WWII.
  Photo courtesy of an former crew member, Jesse Bryant. Copyright © 2004-2008 - All rights reserved. Do not reproduce.
  
  
  
  
  
  Bayou State working cargo at the San Diego Marine Terminal, 20 March 1966.
  Photo courtesy of Capt. Tom Ellsworth Copyright © 2004-2008 - All rights reserved. Do not reproduce. If anyone wants copies, please email Tom at tbells@cox.net.
  

1961

• 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.

1962

• 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.
  
  
  
  N.S. Savannah at her homeport, Savannah, Georgia, summer 1962.
  Photo courtesy of Capt. Tom Ellsworth Copyright © 2004-2008 - All rights reserved. Do not reproduce. If anyone wants copies, please email Tom at tbells@cox.net.
  

1963

• Operation of N.S. Savannah transferred to American Export Lines of New York by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

1965

• 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

• Victory Ship managed for the U.S. Government:
  Gainesville Victory

1967

• 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

• 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.
  
  
  
  Weatherly moored at Osaka, Japan, 26 July 1969.
  Photo courtesy of Capt. Tom Ellsworth Copyright © 2004-2008 - All rights reserved. Do not reproduce. If anyone wants copies, please email Tom at tbells@cox.net.
  

1969

• 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

• 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.
  
  
  
  Lone Star State #2 moored at the San Diego Marine Terminal, 1 August 1966.
  Photo courtesy of Capt. Tom Ellsworth Copyright © 2004-2008 - All rights reserved. Do not reproduce. If anyone wants copies, please email Tom at tbells@cox.net.
  

1971

• 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

• 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.
  
  
  S.S. Buckeye State #2 (as the S.S. Sea Star)
  

1973

• 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

• 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

• Tankore Corp. sells its two vessels:
  March: Weatherly
  August: Buckeye