Construction Begins on Matson’s Aloha Class

Matson, Inc., a U.S. carrier in the Pacific, announced that production has begun on its two new Aloha Class containerships following a steel cutting ceremony at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Inc. (APSI) in Pennsylvania.

Matson subsidiary Matson Navigation Company, Inc. ordered the ships from APSI in 2013 for an aggregate price of $418 million, following on the delivery of four newly-built Jones Act containerships for Matson between 2003 and 2006.

At 850 feet long and with 3,600 TEU capacity, the new vessels will become the largest ships in the Matson fleet, as well as the largest Jones Act containerships ever constructed.

Due for delivery in the third and fourth quarters of 2018, the Aloha Class containerships are designed specifically for Hawaii service, offering greater capacity and "green ship technology", including a more fuel efficient hull design, dual fuel engines that can be adapted to use liquefied natural gas (LNG), double hull fuel tanks and fresh water ballast systems.

“These new ships are the future for Hawaii shipping and will bring a new level of efficiency and effectiveness to our service,” said Matt Cox, president and CEO, Matson. “The substantial investment in new technology underscores Matson's long-term commitment to Hawaii and our desire to serve the islands in the best, most environmentally friendly way into the future.”