Matson begins production of new vessels

The ocean carrier will take delivery of two 3,600-TEU containerships from Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Inc. that are currently expected to be delivered in the third and fourth quarters of 2018.    Ocean carrier Matson has begun construction of two new Jones Act containerships currently expected to be delivered in the third and fourth quarters of 2018.
   Matson’s subsidiary, Matson Naviagion Company, Inc., signed a contract with Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Inc. in 2013 to build the new ships for an aggregate price of $418 million.
   The 850-foot long, 3,600-TEU vessels will be able to operate at speeds in excess of 23 knots, according to Matson. In addition, they will be Matson’s largest ships and the largest Jones Act containerships ever constructed.
   Matson noted that although the vessels are larger, they will still be able to navigate safely into some of Hawaii’s smaller ports.
   “These new ships are the future for Hawaii shipping and will bring a new level of efficiency and effectiveness to our service,” Matson President and CEO Matt Cox said in a statement. “The substantial investment in new technology underscores Matson’s long-term commitment to Hawaii and our desire to serve the islands in the best, most environmentally friendly way into the future.”