Two more for Matson

The US shipping company Matson Navigation has agreed to buy two more two 2,600 TEU container ships from Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard for a total of $290 million. Matson bought the first two ships built at the new Philly yard, the Maunawili and Manukai which were delivered last year.

Dave Meehan, president of the shipyard, said that with the new order announced, the yard is now “a sustainable and predictable shipbuilding operation.” Matson said the ships would be used in a service linking the West Coast, Hawaii, Guam and two ports in China. The first is to be delivered in July and the second in June 2006.

The agreement also gives Matson first refusal on four additional container ships to be delivered by 2010. The shipyard, which is owned by Norway’s Kvaerner ASA, also started work on the first of four planned 184 metre long double hulled oil tankers.