Hanwha Philly Shipyard Kicks Off Hull Assembly for First of Three New Matson Containerships
Historic Shipbuilding Milestone for Aloha Class Vessels
Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Inc. (HPSI) and Matson celebrated a pivotal moment in American shipbuilding with the dock-mounting ceremony for the first of three new Aloha Class containerships. The event, held on Monday, marked the official start of hull assembly as the first engine room section, weighing 420 metric tons, was lowered into the dry dock. Executives from both companies participated in a ceremonial tradition, placing coins beneath the section to symbolize good fortune and safe passage.
Details of the Aloha Class Project
The ceremony was attended by key figures from both companies, including Matson’s Capt. Jack Sullivan and Archibald Morgan, alongside HPSI’s CEO David Kim and Project Director John Bond. Matt Cox, Chairman and CEO of Matson, emphasized the significance of the new ships, stating, “These new ships are just the latest Jones Act vessels Matson has built with Philly Shipyard over the past 22 years, supporting 1,500 jobs for skilled American workers and providing additional opportunities for American mariners.”
The Aloha Class vessels, measuring 854 feet in length, are set for delivery in 2027 and 2028. Each ship will have a carrying capacity of 3,600 TEU and will be capable of operating at speeds exceeding 23 knots. Notably, these vessels will feature advanced fuel-efficient hull designs and dual-fuel engines that can run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), aligning with modern environmental standards.
Strengthening Partnerships in Shipbuilding
This project continues the long-standing collaboration between HPSI and Matson. Before the current Aloha Class vessels, HPSI delivered four Jones Act containerships for Matson between 2003 and 2006, followed by the first two Aloha Class ships in 2018 and 2019. David Kim, CEO of Hanwha Philly Shipyard, remarked, “Today’s keel laying marks more than the beginning of another great ship — it symbolizes the strength of our ongoing partnership with Matson and our shared commitment to American shipbuilding.”
The successful launch of the Aloha Class project not only represents a significant advancement in shipbuilding technology but also reinforces the importance of American maritime industry and job creation. As the partnership between HPSI and Matson continues to flourish, the future of American shipbuilding looks promising.
