Matson Christens First LNG-Powered Aloha Class Vessel at Philly Shipyard

Matson and Philly Shipyard (PSI), christened the largest containership ever built in the US at a recent ceremony at the Philly Shipyard. The new vessel is named Daniel K. Inouye in honor of Hawaii’s late US Senator, who was a longstanding supporter of the US maritime industry and its important role in supporting Hawaii’s economy. It is the first of two new ships being built for Honolulu-based Matson by Philly Shipyard at a total cost of approximately $418 million for the pair, and the first of four new vessels that Matson will put into its Hawaii service during the next two years.

“This is a proud day for all of us at Matson,” said Matt Cox, Matson’s chairman and chief executive officer, at the shipyard ceremony. “This new vessel, designed specifically to serve Hawaii and built with LNG-compatible engines, is the next generation of vessel and sets a new standard for cargo transportation in Hawaii.”

Matson invited Irene Hirano Inouye, Sen. Inouye’s wife, to officially christen the vessel by breaking a ceremonial bottle of champagne against the ship’s hull.

Weighing in at over 51,400 metric tons, the 850-foot long Daniel K. Inouye is Matson’s largest ship and the largest containership ever constructed in the US.  It is also Matson’s fastest vessel, with a top speed of nearly 24 knots, helping ensure on-time deliveries in Hawaii from Matson’s three West Coast terminals in Seattle, Oakland and Long Beach.