More than a new name: New York Container Terminal hopes to outgrow its terminal's old image.(Ports)(Port of New York and New Jersey )

The announcement that Howland Hook Marine Terminal at the Port of New York and New Jersey would begin operating as New York Container Terminal on Jan. 1 was important in two ways.

First, it closed a ignominious chapter in the port's history. The Staten Island terminal's previous management figured in an extortion case that perpetuated an image of Mafia influence that the port has been trying for decades to shake. Red Scollo, president of International Longshoremen's Association Local 1814, pleaded guilty to racketeering and testified that he was the courier for cash payoffs from Howland Hook manager Carmine Ragucci to the Gambino crime family. Ragucci was not charged, …