A new direct roll-on cargo service from Miami to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, has been inaugurated by Atlantic Lines, according to Chester, Blackburn & Roder, general agents for the operation in New York. The service has been started with the Norwegian-built motorship Pan America, first of ten similar ships the line is building for its services to the Atlantic islands.

The vessel will also call at St. Croix in the operation and at Tortola in the British Virgin Islands upon inducement.

The Pan America can carry 30 forty-foot trailers containing dry, refrigerated or liquid cargo. Automobiles, tractors, other type of rolling stock or palletized freight can also be handled.

The new vessel is highly automated, permitting its operation with a crew of 11 men. A feature of its design is a stern anchor, enabling it to retract from beaches and a special ballasting system which aids in loading and discharging on beaches.

Miami terminal for the operation is at Shed No. 2, Dodge Island, and at St. Thomas, a new terminal operated by Chester, Blackburn & Roder.