James Andrasick, chairman of the state's largest ocean shipper, is retiring effective Tuesday.

Among the 65-year-old Andrasick's achievements are overseeing the startup of Matson Navigation Co.'s China service in February 2006 and the construction of four new container ships.

He also helped grow subsidiary Matson Integrated Logistics, promoted “;green”; programs both at sea and on land, led Matson through the 2002 West Coast lockout and supervised the relocation of the company's headquarters from San Francisco to Oakland in 2003.

Andrasick was unavailable for comment and Matson spokesman Jeff Hull said parent company Alexander & Baldwin Inc. would name a replacement at an undisclosed time.

Before taking over as chairman in October 2008, Andrasick served as president and chief executive officer of Matson from 2002 through September 2008. When he was appointed chairman, he relinquished the other posts.

“;During Jim Andrasick's career at Matson, the company was able to demonstrate how an American carrier operating U.S.-built vessels can compete in the highly competitive China trade,”; said Allen Doane, chairman and CEO of A&B. “;Since the service was launched in February 2006, Matson has been consistently recognized as one of the best carriers in the world in delivering on-time performance.”;

Andrasick was chief financial officer of A&B from 2000 to 2003 when he began his involvement with the first of the four new ships that entered the Matson fleet in 2003. The $500 million investment in the four ships allowed Matson to upgrade its fleet and ensure modern, reliable service for both its core market in Hawaii as well as for its Guam service and its China-Long Beach service.

He also was involved in the growth and development of Matson Integrated Logistics, which expanded through a number of acquisitions, including TransAmerica, Aquitaine and PACAM. In addition, Matson Integrated started up a new subsidiary, Matson Global Distribution Services, in 2007. As a result of the expansion, revenue for Matson Integrated increased to $435 million in 2008 from $122 million in 2001.

“;Jim Andrasick provided strong leadership for Matson during a very important time for the company,”; Matson President Matt Cox said. “;His accomplishments have been wide-ranging and enduring.”;