Matson and Hanwha Philly Shipyard Celebrate Major Milestone in Construction of New Aloha Class Containerships
Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Inc., a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Ocean, and Matson, Inc., a premier U.S. carrier serving the Pacific region, marked a significant milestone in the construction of the first of three next-generation “Aloha Class” containerships. These state-of-the-art vessels are scheduled for delivery to Matson in 2027 and 2028 and will be deployed on key trade routes between Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. mainland, as well as on Matson’s China-Long Beach Express (CLX) service.
Beginning of Hull Assembly with Ceremonial Keel Laying
The commemorative event took place at the HPSI shipyard in Philadelphia, where the first engine room section of the vessel — weighing an impressive 420 metric tons — was lowered into the construction dry dock. This moment marked the official start of hull assembly and is considered a traditional and symbolic phase in the shipbuilding process, often referred to as “keel laying” or the placement of the “grand block.”
In keeping with maritime tradition, senior executives from both organizations took part in a ceremonial gesture by placing commemorative coins beneath the massive section of the ship’s hull. This longstanding practice is intended to bestow good luck and ensure the vessel’s safety and prosperity throughout its service life.
Leadership in Attendance
The dock-mounting ceremony was attended by senior leadership from both Matson and Hanwha Philly Shipyard. Matson was represented by Capt. Jack Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Vessel Operations & Engineering, and Archibald Morgan, Vice President of New Construction and Marine Engineering. HPSI was represented by David Kim, CEO, and John Bond, Project Director and NSMV Program Manager.
Matson Chairman and CEO Matt Cox offered remarks recognizing the importance of the moment and the long-standing relationship between the two companies. “These new ships are just the latest Jones Act vessels Matson has built with Philly Shipyard over the past 22 years,” said Cox. “Together, we’ve supported over 1,500 skilled jobs in American shipyards and opened up new opportunities for American mariners.”
He continued: “Our existing Aloha Class ships are among the most advanced, efficient, and fastest in our fleet. These next-generation vessels will not only build on that performance, but they will also further enhance our capabilities in key trade routes between the U.S. West Coast and the Pacific islands, while offering customers in Hawaii, Guam, and Asia improved speed, reliability, and capacity.”
Advanced Design and Enhanced Performance
Each of the three new Aloha Class containerships will measure 854 feet in length and boast a carrying capacity of 3,600 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). Built for speed and endurance, these vessels are engineered to cruise at over 23 knots — a significant advantage in the fast-paced trans-Pacific trade environment where timely deliveries are paramount.
From a technical standpoint, the ships will incorporate several major advancements in fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability. The vessels are being constructed with an optimized hull design to reduce drag and improve fuel consumption. Moreover, the dual-fuel main engines will allow operation on liquefied natural gas (LNG), significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and aligning with evolving regulatory and environmental standards.
This forward-looking design not only supports Matson’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint but also aligns with broader industry efforts to decarbonize maritime shipping.
Continuing a Legacy of Hawaiian Maritime Tradition
The new vessels will carry on Matson’s longstanding tradition of naming ships after significant Hawaiian words and places. The upcoming containerships have been christened Makua, Malama, and Makena — names that harken back to Matson’s early 20th-century fleet and reflect the company’s deep Hawaiian roots.
- Makua (pronounced mah-KOO-ah) is a Hawaiian word meaning “parent,” “elder,” or “ancestor,” symbolizing heritage and continuity.
- Malama conveys the concept of caring, stewardship, and sustainability.
- Makena refers to a serene coastal area in Maui, symbolizing natural beauty and connectivity.
These names were originally used for three freighters during the World War I era, highlighting the company’s respect for history while embracing future-focused innovation.
Strengthening U.S. Shipbuilding with Hanwha
Hanwha Philly Shipyard has long held a strong reputation as one of the premier commercial shipbuilders in the United States, particularly within the Jones Act market, which requires vessels operating between U.S. ports to be built in the United States, owned by U.S. entities, and crewed by U.S. citizens or residents.
HPSI’s collaboration with Matson dates back more than two decades, with the shipyard having already delivered six Jones Act vessels to Matson, including the original Aloha Class ships in 2018 and 2019 and four other containerships between 2003 and 2006.
Since its acquisition by Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Ocean in 2024, HPSI has gained access to expanded global capabilities and resources through one of South Korea’s largest and most diversified industrial conglomerates. This strategic backing enables the shipyard to bring cutting-edge shipbuilding expertise, innovation, and scale to American maritime projects.
“Today’s keel laying is not just the beginning of another great ship — it represents the strength of our enduring partnership with Matson and a reaffirmation of our commitment to excellence in American shipbuilding,” said David Kim, CEO of Hanwha Philly Shipyard. “We are proud to build these vessels in support of America’s maritime industry and honored that Matson has entrusted us with three generations of ships.”
Supporting National and Economic Interests
Beyond the technical and commercial aspects, the construction of these vessels represents a broader investment in the U.S. economy and maritime workforce. The project supports approximately 1,500 jobs for highly skilled workers across trades such as welding, electrical, engineering, and project management.
It also plays a strategic role in reinforcing the U.S. maritime industrial base, a critical component of national security and supply chain resilience. Jones Act carriers like Matson serve vital domestic trade routes, particularly in geographically isolated areas like Hawaii and Guam, where dependable ocean freight is essential for delivering everyday goods, medical supplies, and infrastructure materials.
By constructing these ships domestically with cutting-edge technologies and sustainability features, Matson and HPSI are contributing to a stronger and more competitive U.S. shipping industry that is prepared to meet future challenges and demands.
Founded in 1882 and headquartered in Honolulu, Matson is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services across the Pacific, including services to Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Micronesia, the South Pacific, China, and the U.S. West Coast.
Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Inc. is a leading commercial shipbuilder in the United States, dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art, high-performance vessels for the Jones Act market. Backed by Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Ocean, HPSI is helping revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding sector with innovation, skilled labor, and strategic global expertise