Matson, Hanwha Philly Shipyard mark Aloha Class ship construction milestone
Milestone Achieved in Aloha Class Ship Construction
Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Inc. (HPSI) and Matson, Inc. have celebrated a significant milestone in the construction of the first of three new Aloha Class containerships, set to be delivered in 2027 and 2028. These vessels will enhance Matson’s services in Hawaii, Guam, and the China-Long Beach Express (CLX) routes. The event marked the official start of hull assembly with the lowering of the first engine room section into the dry dock, a momentous occasion for both companies.
Celebrating Tradition and Innovation
The ceremonial event took place as the first engine room section, weighing 420 tons, was lowered into the dry dock, signifying the beginning of the hull assembly process. In a nod to maritime tradition, executives from both HPSI and Matson placed ceremonial coins beneath the section to invoke good fortune and safe passage for the new vessel. The ceremony was attended by key figures, including Matson’s Senior Vice President of Vessel Operations & Engineering, Capt. Jack Sullivan, and HPSI’s CEO, David Kim.
Matt Cox, Chairman and CEO of Matson, emphasized the importance of these 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 1500 jobs for skilled American workers and providing additional opportunities for American mariners.” He highlighted that the new Aloha Class ships will enhance Matson’s fleet capabilities, particularly in the Asia-US trade lane, while also increasing capacity and speed for their Hawaii and Guam services.
The Aloha Class vessels will each measure 854 feet and have a carrying capacity of 3,600 TEU, designed to operate at speeds exceeding 23 knots. They will feature a more fuel-efficient hull design and dual-fuel engines, allowing for operation on liquefied natural gas (LNG). These three new ships will replace existing vessels currently serving Matson’s Hawaii, Guam, and CLX routes.
Names and Future Prospects
The new containerships will be named Makua, Malama, and Makena, names that honor three freighters from the World War I era. The name Makua, meaning parent or family in Hawaiian, reflects the cultural significance of the vessels. 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.” He expressed gratitude for Matson’s trust in HPSI for this series of ships, reaffirming their commitment to excellence in shipbuilding.
This milestone not only represents a step forward in ship construction but also underscores the collaboration between Hanwha Philly Shipyard and Matson, contributing to the growth of American maritime industry and job creation.
