(cont'd)

In the late 1950s and through the 1960s, APL began the complex transition to containerization technology. By modifying its ships and port facilities, the company played a leading role in the industry's adoption of the new technology, which revolutionized shipping. Although APL sustained its revenue growth during this period, its passenger services dwindled. Japanese and British steamship lines had become highly competitive, and the entire industry suffered as airliners effectively limited seagoing travel to recreational cruises. Consequently, in the 1970s, APL grew by focusing on improving its containerization technology.

In 1983, APL and the Port of Seattle agreed to construct the largest port facility in the Northwest. The following year, APL served the "anchor tenant" of a 115-acre container facility in San Pedro, California.

During the Gulf War, the APL fleet was again called to duty, and several ships were activated. Today, a number of APL vessels are used by the government as part of the Ready Reserve Fleet, made up of inactive commercial ships that can be prepared for military use within 5 days. In addition to serving the government, APL remains an innovative leader in the shipping industry, and has become one of the largest companies in the world to provide global transportation services.