Matson adds second $110-million containership

Matson adds second $110-million containership    A new U.S.-built containership to be operated by U.S. Jones Act operator Matson Navigation Co. was christened at the Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard Saturday.
   The “Maunawili” cost $110 million, like a sistership the “Manukai,” delivered to Matson in September 2003.
   “Investing $220 million in two new U.S.-built containerships was a significant step for Matson, and represents a significant commitment to the Hawaii market,” said James Andrasick, president and chief executive officer of Matson.
   The new ship will commence sea trials later this month and enter Matson’s Hawaii service in the fall. It will be one of eight ships deployed in the company’s service between the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii.
   Matson is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. of Honolulu.