American shipbuilding company, General Dynamics NASSCO, announced it has started the 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 will be able provides the capability to transport containers, automobiles and rolling stock, including trailers.
Furthermore, it incorporates LNG-capable main and auxiliary engines, which comply with Tier III emission requirements. The design also accommodates future installation of a LNG fuel gas system.
“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. 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,” said Ron Forest, president of Matson.
The construction started after a brief ceremony took place, in San Diego, to cut the first pieces of steel, in which representatives from NASSCO and Matson gathered.
The first ship is expected to be completed in 2019, with the second Kanaloa-class containership for Matson beginning construction in 2018 with delivery due in 2020.
NASSCO cooperatedwith Daewoo Ship Engineering Company to provide Matson the ship’s design and shipbuilding technologies.
