Matson Begins Construction on First of Three New LNG-Powered Aloha Class Containerships
The three new Jones Act-compliant vessels, representing an investment of approximately
Like their sisterships, the new vessels will be equipped with dual fuel engines designed to operate on either conventional marine fuels or liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as other “green ship technology” features, such as a fuel-efficient hull design, environmentally safe double hull fuel tanks, and freshwater ballast systems. While the earlier ships required some modification to operate with LNG, the new ships will be delivered LNG-ready.
The first vessel is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2026 with subsequent deliveries in 2027.
“Our existing Aloha Class ships are among the fastest, most efficient vessels in the Matson fleet,” said
Matson has set corporate goals to achieve a 40 percent reduction in Scope 1 greenhouse gas (GHG) fleet emissions by 2030 and net-zero Scope 1 GHG emissions by 2050.
With a carrying capacity of 3,600 TEU,* the 854-foot Aloha Class vessels are designed to operate at speeds in excess of 23 knots in support of Matson’s service hallmark – fast and reliable delivery of goods.
The three new Aloha Class ships will replace three vessels currently deployed in Matson’s
Philly Shipyard is a leading
“Today we celebrate not only the beginning of production, but also the return of Matson to Philly Shipyard for our third project together,” said Steinar Nerbovik, Philly Shipyard’s President and CEO. “We are thrilled to build these next vessels which are expected to help Matson achieve its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions goal, an initiative well-aligned with our commitment to people and planet.”
Vessel Names Announced
Matson plans to name the three new containerships Makua, Malama, and Makena. Founded in 1882 as a
Matson’s original ships named Makua, Malama, and Makena were all freighters commissioned by the United States Shipping Board (USSB), an emergency agency established by the 1916 Shipping Act to increase the number of
Makua (“mah-KOO-ah”) is a Hawaiian word for parent, elder, ancestor, or family.
Malama (“MAH-lah-mah”) is a Hawaiian word meaning to care for or protect.
Makena (“Mah-KEN-ah”) is a Hawaiian word for abundance.
* TEU = Twenty-foot Equivalent Units, the standard unit of measurement for container capacity
About Matson
Founded in 1882, Matson (NYSE: MATX) is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services. Matson provides a vital lifeline of ocean freight transportation services to the domestic non-contiguous economies of
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