General Dynamics NASSCO has started construction on a Kanaloa-class containership for Matson Navigation Company, Inc., as part of a two-ship contract.
The 870-foot-long, 3,500 TEU containership design provides the capability to transport containers, automobiles and rolling stock, including trailers. Using proven design standards, the design incorporates liquefied natural gas-capable main and auxiliary engines, which are compliant with Tier III emission requirements. The design accommodates future installation of a LNG fuel gas system.
“We’re honored to advance the Matson fleet with two large, modern vessels reflecting the highest standards of design and energy efficiency,” said Kevin Graney, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “The construction we began today, and the contracted work for several additional U.S. Navy ships, require additional manpower at our San Diego shipyard. NASSCO will soon begin hiring to continue our reputation of delivering high quality ships on schedule.”
“These Jones Act-qualified, Kanaloa Class vessels are designed specifically for our Hawaii service, and we’re thrilled to partner with NASSCO on their development,” said Ron Forest, president of Matson. “The start of construction today has only heightened our excitement to watch these vessels come to life, and we look forward to seeing them serving our customers in the Hawaii trade.”
Representatives from NASSCO and Matson gathered in San Diego for a brief ceremony to cut the first pieces of steel, signifying the start of construction for the first of two vessels for Matson. Construction of the first ship is scheduled to be complete in 2019. A second Kanaloa-class containership for Matson will begin construction in 2018 with delivery in 2020.
NASSCO partnered with Daewoo Ship Engineering Company to provide Matson with state-of-the-art ship design and shipbuilding technologies. For more than a decade, this partnership has produced premium ships for five separate Jones Act owners.
NASSCO serves as the only major shipyard on the West Coast of the United States designing, constructing and repairing ships for the U.S. Navy and commercial customers. In the past decade, NASSCO has delivered more than 30 cutting-edge, ocean-going ships, including the world’s first LNG-powered containerships.
For more information about NASSCO, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), visit nassco.com
For more information about Matson, Inc. visit matson.com