- Matson, Inc. and General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard, christened the second of two Kanaloa Class vessels.
- They are the largest combination container / roll-on, roll-off (“con-ro”) ships ever built in the United States.
- The naming ceremony took place at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, CA.
General Dynamics NASSCO and Matson, Inc., christened the second of two Kanaloa Class vessels in a ceremony at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, CA on July 2, reads a press release by the company.
The new vessel was christened ‘Matsonia,’ an iconic name in Matson’s long history, dating to the construction of Matson’s first ship of that name in 1912.
Kanaloa Class vessels
The new Matsonia is the second of two new ships being built for Honolulu-based Matson. Named in honor of the ocean deity revered in the native Hawaiian culture, Matson’s two “Kanaloa Class” vessels constructed at the NASSCO shipyard are built on a 3,500 TEU* vessel platform.
At 870 feet long, 114 feet wide (beam), with a deep draft of 38 feet and weighing in at over 50,000 metric tons, Matsonia will join Lurline as Matson’s largest ships, with a top speed of 23 knots.
Both new Kanaloa Class vessels will have an enclosed garage with room for approximately 500 vehicles, plus ample space for rolling stock and breakbulk cargo.
They will also feature state-of-the-art green technology, including a fuel-efficient hull design, environmentally safe double hull fuel tanks, fresh water ballast systems and the first Tier 3 dual fuel engines to be deployed in containerships regularly serving West Coast ports.
Engines to cut down emissions
Under the latest International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements for engine manufacturers, Tier 3 engines reduce the levels of particulate emissions by 40% and nitrogen oxide emissions by 20%, as compared to Tier 2 standards.
Matson’s deployment of Tier 3 engines in both Kanaloa Class vessels is supported by California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.
“Matson is already benefitting from the speed, capacity and improved environmental profile of the three new ships we’ve put into service since 2018,” said Matt Cox, Matson’s chairman and chief executive officer, after the shipyard ceremony. “Matsonia will be our fourth new ship, completing a three-year fleet renewal program that positions us well to serve the needs of our communities in Hawaii for many years to come.”
“As a proud U.S. company and Jones Act carrier, our investment in this new ship is about much more than maintaining a high level of service to Hawaii. It also helps drive substantial economic benefits in and opportunities in communities around the Pacific, where this vessel will operate,” Cox said.
High shipbuilding standards
Dave Carver, President of General Dynamics NASSCO, said, “The Matsonia is a reflection of the highest standards of shipbuilding and we are proud to celebrate her launching. This extraordinary vessel is a testament to the hard work, unity and strength of our thousands of dedicated shipbuilders who made this possible.”
Peggy Forest, wife of Matson’s President Ron Forest, officially christened Matsonia by breaking a ceremonial bottle of champagne against the ship’s hull.
Delivery of the Matsonia is expected in the fourth quarter of 2020.
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Source: NASSCO
