Americas News
Matson Orders 2 LNG Dual-Fuel CON-Ros with "State-of-the-Art Green Technology"
Pacific carrier Matson Navigation Company, Inc. (Matson) Friday said it has signed a $511 million contract with General Dynamics NASSCO to build two new combination container and roll-on/roll-off (Con-Ro) vessels that will have "state-of-the-art green technology" including bunker saving features.
Matson says the Kanaloa Class vessels will be built on a 3,500 TEU vessel platform that includes a fuel efficient hull design, environmentally safe double hull fuel tanks, and fresh water ballast systems.
The vessels, which will be named Lurline and Matsoniam, will also have dual-fuel engines.
"They will be able to operate at speeds up to 23 knots on either conventional fuel oils or liquefied natural gas (LNG) with some adaptation for LNG," said Matson.
"These advancements are important to Hawaii as a means to reduce fuel consumption, and will result in significant emissions reductions over time."
The ships will replace three diesel powered vessels in active service, which will be moved to reserve status.
"This vessel order underscores Matson's long-standing commitment to serve Hawaii with the largest, most reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly fleet for the long-term," said Matt Cox, president and CEO.
"The Kanaloa Class ships will be built specifically to meet Hawaii's freight demands while reducing our environmental impact and improving our efficiency for decades to come."
Matson says it expects to finance the Kanaloa Class vessels primarily through cash flows from operations, borrowing available under the Company's unsecured revolving credit facility, and additional debt financings.
