Matson Christens First of Three New Aloha Class Containerships

Milestone for Matson

On October 10, 2026, the first of three new Jones Act containerships was christened at Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia. This event marks a significant milestone in Matson's $1 billion fleet renewal program aimed at modernizing its shipping services to Hawaii and China-Long Beach Express (CLX).

Christening Ceremony Details

The christening ceremony was attended by approximately 300 people, including U.S. Maritime Administration Deputy Administrator Mark Johnson, shipyard workers, union leaders, company executives, and federal officials. Matson board member Jenai Wall broke a ceremonial bottle of champagne against the hull of the new vessel during this event.

Technical Specifications and Construction

The new containership, named Makua, is 850 feet long with a capacity of 3,600 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and a displacement of over 51,400 metric tons. It will be capable of top speeds approaching 24 knots, making it Matson’s fastest vessel in its fleet. Like the existing Aloha Class ships, Daniel K. Inouye and Kaimana Hila, which were delivered by Hanwha Philly Shipyard in 2018 and 2019 respectively, Makua will feature dual-fuel engines that can operate on conventional marine fuels or liquefied natural gas (LNG). Additionally, the new vessel incorporates fuel-efficient hull designs, double-hull fuel tanks, and freshwater ballast systems.

Unlike its predecessors, which required modifications to function on LNG, the new ships are delivered LNG-ready. Matson's chairman and CEO Matt Cox stated that these improvements will enhance operating efficiencies and reliability in Matson’s core services. The second vessel is scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2027, followed by the third in the second quarter of 2028.

Impact on Shipping Industry

This $1 billion investment represents a major commitment to modernizing shipping operations in the United States. The construction program is expected to create more than 2,500 job opportunities for U.S. mariners over the lifespan of these vessels. It also supports hundreds of jobs at Hanwha Philly Shipyard and strengthens commercial shipbuilding under South Korean ownership.

What this means for operators

The introduction of modern, efficient containerships like Makua will significantly improve service reliability and capacity across Matson’s Pacific networks. For other shipping operators, it underscores the growing importance of investing in new technology and sustainable practices to remain competitive in an evolving maritime landscape.