The two vessels will be capable of carrying 355 45-foot containers each, though Margaronis indicated usual loads would be about 240. Market research shows that Maui receives an average of 160 containers a week from the Mainland. In practice, Santa Maria won't get all the business. Margaronis also contends that ships are inherently safer and more reliable than tug-barge combinations. As a result, importers can have more confidence that shipments will arrive on time five days from California to Oahu.
Customers can then maintain smaller inventories and shorter delivery schedules, thus saving money.
For one thing, the ships will be powered by efficient diesels, meaning Santa Maria will not have to add a fuel surcharge. The surcharge varies with world oil prices but currently is 4.25 percent. Santa Maria's rates to Maui will be a little higher than to Honolulu, but the difference will be worth it, says Margaronis. One reason is that the containers will not move off the ship at the Honolulu dock, reducing the chance of having one drop on the pier. Another will be that time will be saved and the chance of delays eliminated .