Matson names new U.S.-built containership

Matson names new U.S.-built containership    The naming of the first of two new 2,600-TEU, U.S.-built vessels for Jones Act carrier Matson Navigation Co., Inc. took place in Philadelphia on July 12.
   The “Manukai” is Matson’s first new ship since 1992 and the first ship to be built in Philadelphia for 34 years.
   The “Manukai” is also the first vessel constructed by Philadelphia Kvaerner Shipyard, Inc., which has taken over the site of a former naval dockyard.
   “As the first ship to built here in 34 years, the ‘Manukai’ marks the return of Philadelphia as a major shipbuilding center,” said Allen Doane, president and chief executive officer of Alexander and Baldwin, Inc., and chairman of the board of Matson.
   However, each of the first two 2,600-TEU vessels cost $110 million, more than the price of a new 8,000-TEU containerships built by Asian shipyards.
   The new ship will enter Matson’s Hawaii/U.S. mainland liner service this fall.