Matson, Hanwha Philly Shipyard Mark "Aloha Class" Ship Construction Milestone with Dock-Mounting Ceremony

Company Overview - Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Inc. (HPSI) is a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Ocean, recognized as a leader in U.S. commercial shipbuilding, particularly in the Jones Act trade lanes [8] - Matson, Inc. is a leading U.S. carrier in the Pacific, providing essential services to Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and other regions, with a fleet of 22 owned vessels [10] Key Developments - HPSI and Matson marked the construction milestone of the first of three new "Aloha Class" containerships, with deliveries scheduled for 2027 and 2028 [1][2] - The first engine room section of the vessel, weighing 420 metric tons, was lowered into the dry dock, officially starting the hull assembly [2][3] Vessel Specifications - The new Aloha Class ships will each measure 854 feet and have a carrying capacity of 3,600 TEU, designed to operate at speeds exceeding 23 knots [5] - These vessels will feature a more fuel-efficient hull design and dual-fuel engines, allowing operation on liquefied natural gas (LNG) [5] Economic Impact - The construction of these vessels supports 1,500 jobs for skilled American workers and provides additional opportunities for American mariners [4] - The new ships will enhance Matson's service capabilities in the Asia-U.S. trade lane, benefiting customers in Hawaii and Guam [5] Historical Context - Matson has a long tradition of naming its vessels with Hawaiian names, with the new containerships to be named Makua, Malama, and Makena, names reused from the WWI era [7] - HPSI has delivered around 50% of all large ocean-going U.S. Jones Act commercial ships since 2000, showcasing its significant role in the industry [11]