Naming ceremony for second Matson Navigation con-ro vessel

Matsonia is the second of two 265m-long 52,000 dwt, 3,500 TEU “Kanaloa Class” containership/ro-ro vessels that were ordered by Matson. The first vessel, Lurline, was delivered in 2019 and is currently in service for Matson. The vessels are the largest con-ro vessels ever constructed in the US.

The vessel will be propelled by a two-stroke, dual-fuel MAN B&W 6G90ME-C10.5-GI main engine, rated to deliver 31,870kW, and will drive a fixed pitch propeller for a maximum speed of 23 knots. The Tier 3 dual-fuel engines aboard the Lurline and Matsonia will be the first to be deployed in containerships regularly serving West Coast ports, Matson noted.

“Matson is already benefitting from the speed, capacity and improved environmental profile of the three new ships we’ve put into service since 2018,” said Matt Cox, Matson’s chairman and chief executive officer, after the shipyard ceremony. “Matsonia will be our fourth new ship, completing a three-year fleet renewal program that positions us well to serve the needs of our communities in Hawaii for many years to come.

The vessel has capacity for around 500 vehicles, with storage for rolling stock and breakbulk cargo. The vessel has been earmarked for Matson’s routes connecting Hawaii from its three West Coast terminals in Seattle, Oakland and Long Beach.

Matson is due to take delivery of the vessel in Q4 2020.