Matson to add three LNG-powered containerships for $1bn

First of the 3,600 teu 'Aloha Class' containerships are slated for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026, with subsequent deliveries in 2027 allmarinenews report.

HAWAII-based Matson has announced its subsidiary, Matson Navigation Company has signed contracts for three new 3,600 teu Aloha Class containerships with Philly Shipyard for approximately $1bn. 

The first of the dual-fuel engine vessels will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2026 and the other two in 2027.

In addition to being able to operate on marine fuels or liquefied natural gas, it will have "other 'green ship technology' features, such as a fuel-efficient hull design and environmentally safe double hull fuel tanks and freshwater ballast systems."

The 854-foot Jones Act ships will be the largest ever built in the US, and will be designed to operate at speeds over 23 knots.

"Our existing Aloha Class ships are among the fastest, most efficient vessels in the Matson fleet," said chairman and chief executive officer Matt Cox.

"These new Jones Act compliant vessels will be built specifically for our China-Long Beach Express service, and like their sisterships, are expected to help Matson achieve its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal while also providing additional capacity and speed benefitting our Hawaii service as well as the CLX."Matson has set goals to reduce 40% of scope 1 GHG fleet emissions by 2030 and to reach net-zero scope 1 GHG emissions by 2050.

The company said the new ships will replace three vessels currently deployed in its China-Long Beach express service, who in turn will replace three older vessels currently deployed in its Alaska service.

It expects to finance the new ships with cash from its "Capital Construction Fund and through cash flows from operations, borrowings available under the Company's unsecured revolving credit facility and additional debt financings."

Philly Shipyard delivered Matson its first Aloha Class containerships in 2018 and 2019, and four containerships between 2003 and 2006. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania company is a "leading commercial shipyard constructing vessels for operation in the domestic Jones Act trade lanes," according to Matson. 

"It is the ultimate compliment when a former customer returns for another project. We are proud of the six vessels previously delivered to Matson, and are again ready to execute and deliver this important project," said Philly Shipyard president and chief executive officer Steinar Nerbovik.