Hawaii-based inter-island freight company Young Brothers’ first new barges in nearly two decades are expected to enter service in December, the company said Oct. 3.
The announcement follows the recent christening of the barges — named Kalohi and Nāulu — which are part of a more than $45 million investment by the company to bolster its inter-island shipping service efficiency, capacity and reliability.
The barges were custom-designed by Washington-based naval architecture firm Hockema Group and constructed in Louisiana by Conrad Shipyard.
The 286-foot-long Kalohi was built to support smaller ports such as Kaunakakai (Moloka‘i) and Kaumalapau (Lāna‘i).
“As the only water carrier serving Lānaʻi and Moloka‘i, Young Brothers has a critical kuleana (responsibility) to these communities,” Young Brothers President Jay Ana said. “This investment in Kalohi reflects our deep commitment to enhancing the capacity and resiliency of our services moving what matters most for Lānaʻi and Moloka‘i.”
The 365-foot-long Nāulu, considered the largest vessel with the most capacity for cargo in the fleet, allows Young Brothers to move more cargo during peak times, according to the company.
Nāulu is expected to be based in Kawaihae to support Young Brothers’ four larger ports.
