- First Engine Room Section Installed, Hull Assembly Underway.
- Ceremonial Coins Placed for Good Fortune and Safe Passage.
- Matson Highlights 22-Year Partnership with Philly Shipyard.
Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Inc. (HPSI) and Matson recently celebrated a significant achievement in U.S. shipbuilding with the dock-mounting ceremony for the first of three new Aloha Class containerships, reports gCaptain.
Hull Assembly Kicks Off with Engine Room Installation
On Monday, the first engine room section, which weighs a hefty 420 metric tons, was carefully lowered into the dry dock, marking the official start of the ship’s hull assembly. In keeping with maritime tradition, executives from both Matson and HPSI placed ceremonial coins beneath the section, a gesture meant to bring good luck and ensure safe travels.
Company Leaders Gather for the Milestone Event
Matson’s leadership team was present, including Capt. Jack Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Vessel Operations & Engineering, and Archibald Morgan, Vice President of New Construction and Marine Engineering. HPSI was represented by CEO David Kim and Project Director John Bond.
“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,” said Matt Cox, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Matson.
Advanced Ships Designed for Efficiency and Speed
The new Aloha Class ships will be 854 feet long, with a capacity of 3,600 TEU, and are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028. These vessels will operate at speeds over 23 knots and feature fuel-efficient hull designs with dual-fuel engines capable of running on liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Setting Sail on Key Pacific Routes
Matson is excited to roll out these new ships on its services to Hawaii, Guam, and the China-Long Beach Express, replacing three older vessels in their fleet. The ships will carry the names Makua, Malama, and Makena, paying homage to freighters that served during World War I.
Building on a Strong Shipbuilding Legacy
This initiative marks the continuation of a 22-year collaboration between Matson and HPSI. HPSI was behind the delivery of Matson’s first two Aloha Class ships in 2018 and 2019, as well as four Jones Act containerships from 2003 to 2006.
“Today’s keel laying marks more than the beginning of another great ship — it symbolises the strength of our ongoing partnership with Matson and our shared commitment to American shipbuilding,” remarked David Kim, Hanwha Philly Shipyard CEO.
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Source: gCaptain
