Philadelphia, August 4, 2025 – Matson, Inc. and Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Inc. (HPSI) marked a key milestone in the construction of the new Aloha Class containerships as the first grand block of the vessel Makua was officially lowered into the dry dock, signifying the start of hull assembly.
The engine room block, weighing approximately 420 metric tons, was ceremonially placed into position during a special keel-laying event. Executives from both companies participated in a traditional coin-laying ceremony, a maritime custom to wish the ship safe construction and operation.
Matson signed the contract in November 2022 for the construction of three dual-fuel, 3,600-TEU containerships, with steel cutting for the first vessel commencing in September 2024. With a total investment of around $1 billion—approximately $330 million per ship—these vessels are set to become among the most advanced Jones Act-compliant containerships ever built in the United States.
Each ship will measure 854 feet in length and will serve Matson’s routes connecting Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. West Coast, including the China-Long Beach Express (CLX) service. They are designed to travel at speeds exceeding 23 knots and are equipped with dual-fuel engines capable of running on both conventional fuels and liquefied natural gas (LNG), aligning with Matson’s long-term emissions reduction strategy.
Matson CEO Matt Cox praised the partnership with Philly Shipyard, noting that it supports hundreds of skilled U.S. shipbuilding jobs and enhances the American maritime workforce. He also highlighted the vessels’ significance in reinforcing Matson’s long-standing commitment to efficiency, performance, and environmental stewardship.
This construction milestone also represents a turning point for Philly Shipyard, which is now operating under new ownership by Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Ocean. The Matson project is one of the first major commercial shipbuilding efforts by the yard in this new era.
The upcoming vessels—Makua, Malama, and Makena—will follow in the legacy of Matson’s earlier Aloha Class ships, Daniel K. Inouye and Kaimana Hila, delivered in 2018 and 2019. These earlier vessels were the largest container ships ever built in the U.S. at the time and were recently converted to dual-fuel systems to accommodate LNG.
The new Aloha Class series is expected to enter service in 2027 and 2028, ensuring that Matson remains at the forefront of modern, sustainable, and resilient Pacific shipping.
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