American Mail Line, Pacific Far East Line and American President Lines, three West Coast shipping concerns owned partially or indirectly by Natomas Co., said they are creating the post of chairman of the coordinating board of the three lines and expanding the board's activities.
Named to the post was Floyd Bieri, president of Consolidated Marine Inc., a concern owned by the three lines, which provides them with operating services. Mr. Bieri will be succeeded as Consolidated president by Hugh W. Howard, presently vice-president of Maher Terminals in New York City.
Natomas owns about 42 percent of Pacific Far East Line and about 54 percent of American President Lines, which in turn owns about 93 percent of American Mail. Natomas has received Maritime Administration approval of plans to consolidate the three lines but has not announced intentions to carry through the proposal. A spokesman said Mr. Bieri's appointment should not necessarily be viewed as a step in that direction.
However, the announcement by the three lines said Consolidated Marine will begin operating a cargo container pool for the lines as soon as the project is approved by government agencies. Consolidated Marine is moving its offices to San Francisco from Los Angeles, the announcement added.