Matson, Inc., a leading U.S. carrier in the Pacific, and Philly Shipyard, Inc. (PSI), the wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA, christened the largest containership ever built in the United States in a ceremony at the Philly Shipyard on Saturday, June 30.
The new vessel is named Daniel K. Inouye in honour of Hawaii’s late senior U.S. Senator, who was a longstanding supporter of the U.S. 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 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,” said Matt Cox, Matson’s chairman and chief executive officer, at the shipyard ceremony.
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 854-foot long and 3,600 TEU* capacity Daniel K. Inouye is Matson’s largest ship and the largest containership ever constructed in the U.S. 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.
As Matson’s first “Aloha Class” containership, Daniel K. Inouye incorporates the latest environmentally friendly technology, including dual-fuel engines that can be adapted to use liquefied natural gas (LNG), double hull fuel tanks, fresh water ballast systems and a more fuel efficient hull design.
Source: Matson, Inc.
Related article: Philly Shipyard Starts LNG-Fuel Newbuilds for Hawaii Trade
