Matson, Inc., a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services, has officially commenced construction on the first of three new “Aloha Class” containerships, designed for the company’s Hawaii and China-Long Beach Express (CLX) services. The construction was kicked off with a steel-cutting ceremony at Philly Shipyard, Pennsylvania, marking the start of a significant project that is expected to play a key role in Matson’s fleet expansion and environmental goals. These new vessels, valued at approximately $1 billion, will match the size and speed of Matson’s current Aloha Class vessels—Daniel K. Inouye and Kamina Hila—which were delivered in 2018 and 2019.
Investment in Clean Shipping and Fleet Modernization
The new vessels are a continuation of Matson’s commitment to modernization and sustainability. Equipped with dual-fuel engines, they are designed to run on both conventional marine fuels and liquefied natural gas (LNG). These LNG-ready ships will also feature “green ship technology” advancements, including a fuel-efficient hull design, double hull fuel tanks to ensure environmental safety, and freshwater ballast systems. The first vessel is expected to be delivered by late 2026, with the remaining two scheduled for 2027.
Matt Cox, Chairman and CEO of Matson, said these new vessels will not only enhance the company’s shipping services but also help meet Matson’s 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets. “Our existing Aloha Class ships are among the fastest, most efficient vessels in the Matson fleet,” said Cox. “These three new vessels will help Matson achieve its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal while providing additional capacity and speed benefitting our Hawaii service as well as the CLX.”
Strengthening Matson’s Environmental Commitments
Matson has committed to reducing Scope 1 GHG fleet emissions by 40% by 2030 and aims to achieve net-zero Scope 1 GHG emissions by 2050. The new Aloha Class ships, each with a capacity of 3,600 TEUs and capable of speeds over 23 knots, are designed to further these goals by increasing the operational efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of the company’s shipping services.
The vessels will replace three older ships currently in Matson’s Hawaii and CLX services, enhancing the fleet with more energy-efficient alternatives while maintaining Matson’s renowned service speed and reliability.
Philly Shipyard: A Trusted Partner in the Jones Act Trade
The ships will be built by Philly Shipyard, a leading U.S. commercial shipbuilder with extensive experience in constructing Jones Act-compliant vessels. This partnership builds on a longstanding relationship between Matson and Philly Shipyard, which previously delivered four containerships to Matson between 2003 and 2006, as well as the two earlier Aloha Class ships.
Steinar Nerbovik, President and CEO of Philly Shipyard, remarked, “Today we celebrate not only the beginning of production but also the return of Matson to Philly Shipyard for our third project together. We are thrilled to build these next vessels which are expected to help Matson achieve its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions goal.”
Honoring Hawaiian Tradition with Vessel Names
Matson has a tradition of giving Hawaiian names to its vessels, and the three new containerships will be no exception. They will be named Makua, Malama, and Makena, paying homage to Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage. These names are not only meaningful but also have historical significance, as Matson had vessels with the same names in the early 20th century.
- Makua (mah-KOO-ah) translates to parent, elder, ancestor, or family.
- Malama (MAH-lah-mah) means to care for or protect.
- Makena (mah-KEN-ah) signifies abundance.
These names reflect Matson’s ongoing connection to its Hawaiian roots, where the company was founded in 1882, and its commitment to serving the islands.
The introduction of these new vessels represents Matson’s ongoing efforts to innovate while minimizing environmental impact, further solidifying its leadership in both the shipping industry and environmental stewardship.
About Matson
Founded in 1882, Matson, Inc. is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services, offering a crucial lifeline for the non-contiguous economies of Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam, as well as other Pacific islands. Matson also operates expedited shipping services from China to Long Beach Port, California, and serves additional routes to Japan, the South Pacific, and from Alaska to Asia. Matson’s diversified fleet includes containerships, roll-on/roll-off vessels, and specialized barges designed to meet various shipping needs. Matson Logistics, founded in 1987, extends the company’s service reach across North America and Asia, providing integrated logistics solutions that include rail intermodal, freight consolidation, supply chain management, and freight forwarding.
Source Matson Inc.