Norwich bulletin., 1920-08-16
NoRFoLK-NEW LONDON
 BOAT LINE PLANNED


 To make New London the gateway chusetts for water freight through the establishment of a Norfolk-New London boat line, is plan which is now being worked out by the Manufacturers As sociation of Connecticut. If that de- sired end is attained it will be but a step further to make the port a term mus for transatlantic freight service that will have its headquarters at the state pier Northbound tonnage has all ready been guaranteed for the new ship line and four ships have been made available for it. The problem now is to get Connecticut shippers interested enough to promise tonnage.
 The Manufacturers association, realiz- ing the need for a gateway for the state of Connecticut and wishing to get away from the port of New York, as a transfer point has concluded an ex- haustive investigation into ports and shipping conditions in the state. One result of the investigation is the con- ciusion that there is absolute need of additional shipping and transportation facilities in this state, and it is definitely known that unless such facilities are forthcoming shortly. many of New Eng lands larger industries located in Con- necticut will be forced to move else where in order to benefit by more rapid and less costly freight rates than they are able to obtain at the present time in this state.
 The plans of the Manufacturers asso- citation is to establish first a freight line between New London and Norfolk, Va Arrangements have been completed at Norfolk where wharfage storage and transportation facilities will be in read mess as soon as the line can be start ed. Tonnage has been carefully looked after in the sourthern port and enough has already been secured to guarantee the successful operation of the line from the Norfolk end.
 All that is need now to make the line between New London and Norfolk an actual existing fact is the securing by the Manufacturers association of infor- nation that tonnage in sufficient amount will be forthcoming from this end of the line to guarantee complete success of the project. When it becomes known that Connecticut firms can ship from this port at a much less freight rate than they can through New York city it is anticipated that the line will have more than enough business to keep it
 
 Four steamships of the coastwise type have already been secured by the back CTS of the line who have been assured of financial backing. According to the present plans two trips per week will be made, and as the volume of trade in- creases, the number of sailings per week will likewise increase, and it Is hoped that finally a daily sailing may be scheduled.
 The opening of this line will establish means for the continual flow of mer- chandse from Connecticut and south ern New England to the southern states of the Atlantic seaboard and at a freight rate much lower that is charged at the present time.
 The Manufacturers association has al- ready been assured of considerable ton mage for exit through this port, but ir order to determine an approximate amount that would be received and in order to secure expressions of approval of merchants, shippers, and industrial heads throughout the state, and to &C., quaint them with full information con- cerning the proposal the association has sent out the following bulletin and questionnaire to all leading concerns in the state: