#United States #Philadelphia #Matson #Aloha Class #Makua

Matson Commemorates Launch of New Aloha Class Vessel

In a significant moment for the American maritime industry, Matson, Inc. has celebrated the christening of its latest containership, named 'Makua'. On October 10, 2026, the event was held at Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, marking a pivotal addition to the Pacific shipping network. The vessel is the first of three new Aloha Class ships slated for operation in Matson's China-Long Beach Express and Hawaii services, with the introduction set for 2027.

The ceremony attracted around 300 guests, including esteemed officials such as Mark Johnson, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration, and various executives from Matson and HPSI. The christening was performed by Matson board member Jenai Wall, who ceremoniously broke a bottle of champagne against the hull of the ship, capturing the moment's spirit of celebration.

Matson's investment of approximately $1 billion in these new vessels reflects their commitment to not only scaling up operations but also ensuring compliance with U.S. maritime laws. The upcoming Aloha Class ships will match both the size and speed of existing vessels in Matson's fleet, which include the notable Daniel K. Inouye and Kamaina Hila — the largest containerships ever constructed in the U.S. to date.

Features of the Makua Vessel

Weighing over 51,400 metric tons and measuring 850 feet in length, the Aloha Class vessels boast an impressive capacity of 3,600 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). Their top speed of nearly 24 knots sets them apart as Matson's fastest ships, promising reliable and timely deliveries to Hawaii and competitive transit times from Asia to the U.S. West Coast.

In line with Matson's commitment to sustainability, these new ships incorporate advanced dual-fuel engines that can efficiently run on both traditional marine fuels and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Other eco-friendly features include a fuel-efficient hull, double hull fuel tanks for safety, and freshwater ballast systems. Notably, while the previous Aloha Class ships required modifications for LNG operations, the new vessels will be delivered fully equipped and ready for LNG use right from the onset.

Future Implications

Matson plans to introduce the other two vessels, named Malama and Makena, by 2028. The naming convention harks back to the company's storied history, as these names recall earlier ships commissioned during the early 20th century, which underscored Matson's dedication to its Hawaiian roots and heritage. Each name bears its own significance; for instance, 'Makua' translates to 'parent' or 'ancestor', while 'Malama' means 'to care for', and 'Makena' implies 'abundance' — values that resonate deeply within Hawaiian culture.

Matt Cox, Chairman and CEO of Matson, expressed optimism about the new addition, stating, "We look forward to putting Makua to work serving our customers early next year. The enhancement to our fleet will promote operational efficiencies, reliability, and increased capacity in both our Hawaii and China-Long Beach Express services."

The launch of the Makua is expected to generate more than 2,500 job opportunities for U.S. mariners over its operational lifespan. This aligns with Matson's legacy of supporting local economies through American shipbuilding, emphasizing the crucial jobs that arise from their undertaking.

HPSI's CEO, David Kim, articulated the bond between the shipyard and Matson, citing their long-standing partnership as a testament to the shared commitment to American maritime excellence. This relationship spans generations of ships built, showcasing the importance of U.S. shipbuilding in fostering economic growth and innovation.

For an organization founded in 1882, Matson continues to lead with its commitment to enhancing maritime logistics and supporting American jobs. As the company gears up for the anticipated launches of its new vessels, it is poised to further strengthen its foothold in both domestic and international markets, bringing with it the promise of lasting reliability and efficiency in an ever-evolving shipping landscape.

For additional information regarding the new vessel Makua and Matson's modernization initiatives, please visit Matson.