Matson, Inc. was delivered its second Kanaloa Class combination container/roll-on, roll-off vessel, the Honolulu-based carrier announced Friday.
The new 870 foot-long vessel, Matsonia, was one of a pair of Kanaloa Class con-ro ships constructed by General Dynamics NASSCO. It joins sister ship Lurline, which was put into service last January. Both weigh more than 50,000 metric tons, feature an enclosed garage large enough to accommodate about 500 vehicles, plus room for rolling stock and breakbulk cargo.
Matsonia and Lurline, as well as Philly Shipyard-built container vessels Daniel K Inouye and Kaimana Hila, are key in Matson’s efforts to modernize its Hawaii service, the company said.
“Putting four new ships into service in a three-year span is a significant accomplishment that culminates eight years of planning, project management and coordination for teams across many departments at Matson,” said Matt Cox, chairman and chief executive officer. “Together with the modernization and expansion of our Honolulu terminal, these investments position Matson to provide efficient, reliable service to Hawaii for decades to come.”