Dual fuel LNG containerships for Hawaii

Matson Navigation Company, a Matson subsidiary, has signed a contract with Aker Philadelphia Shipyard to build two new 3600 TEU containerships for an aggregate price of US$ 418 million. The new vessels will be equipped with dual fuel engines that have liquefied natural gas (LNG) capability.

Matson also announced that the first of the two new ships will be named after the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye, who was a longstanding supporter of the US maritime industry and its role in supporting Hawaii’s economy. The vessels are expected for delivery in Q3/Q4 2018.

"We are pleased to introduce the Aloha Class containership, built specifically to meet Hawaii's future freight demands with increased cargo capacity," commented Matt Cox, CEO of Matson. "The new ships are designed to accommodate the diversified mix of cargo needed to support the state's economy and will boost our capacity for moving 45 ft containers and refrigerated cargo. The ships will also carry construction materials more effectively. Most importantly, this considerable investment underscores Matson's long-term commitment to providing Hawaii with a strong, reliable lifeline to and from the US mainland."

"The decision to name the first Aloha Class ship in honour of Senator Inouye was a natural one," Cox continued. "He left an unparalleled legacy in Hawaii history, and was a true champion of the US Merchant Marine. He is recognised throughout the maritime industry as one of its most powerful advocates. Having a modern, US-flag containership dedicated to serving Hawaii bear his name is an appropriate tribute to this great man."

The 850 ft long vessels will be the largest Jones Act containerships ever constructed and are designed to operate at speeds in excess of 23 knots. The ships will also be able to navigate safely into some of Hawaii's smaller ports.

The new vessels will incorporate a number of ‘green ship technology’ features such as a fuel efficient hull design, dual fuel engines, environmentally safe double hull fuel tanks and fresh water ballast systems. "These state-of-the-art advancements are important to Hawaii as a means to reduce fuel consumption, resulting in significant emission reductions over time in our home trade," Cox said.

Aker Philadelphia Shipyard delivered four Jones Act containerships for Matson between 2003 and 2006. "We have a proven track record of building containerships and are greatly looking forward to being partnered with Matson again," said Aker Philadelphia Shipyard President and CEO Kristian Rokke. "The winning of this order provides the shipyard significant backlog and valuable visibility out to 2018."

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/08112013/dual_fuel_lng_containerships_for_hawaii_404/