Has anyone had to look for info concerning Merchant Ships?

I have Anton NEILSON arriving in Phil, PA on 10 Sep 1854
(age 13 yrs), Stevedore; place of birth: Selvig, Norway.
((Declaration of Intention))

Anton remained as a seaman until 1875 when he gained his
Citizenship in Charleston, SC. He was later a Capt. in the
Lightship/Lighthouse Service of Charleston.

So, what I am looking for is hope from anyone that has had
to search shipping records for ancestors. Since he did not
enter the US as a "regular" passenger it would be great to
find what shipping line he worked for and I'm certain it
must have been for one that was Norweigian or atleast went
there.

((reminds me of an old movie I saw))

Always Searching,
Janet Nielson Jilote
Chas, SC

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