Matson Christens First of Three $1B Aloha Class Ships, Expanding Pacific Fleet
Event summary
- Matson christened the first of three $1B Aloha Class containerships, 'Makua', at Hanwha Philly Shipyard on October 10, 2026.
- The 3,600-TEU vessels will replace existing ships in Hawaii and China-Long Beach Express services, with deliveries starting Q1 2027.
- New ships feature LNG-ready dual fuel engines and 'green ship technology' for improved efficiency and environmental compliance.
- Matson's investment supports 2,500+ U.S. mariner jobs per vessel over their lifespan.
The big picture
Matson's $1B investment in three new Aloha Class ships underscores its commitment to modernizing its Pacific fleet with larger, faster, and more environmentally compliant vessels. This expansion comes as U.S. maritime logistics providers face increasing pressure to balance capacity needs with sustainability goals and domestic manufacturing requirements. The partnership with Hanwha Philly Shipyard highlights the strategic importance of American shipbuilding capabilities in maintaining supply chain resilience.
What we're watching
- Execution Risk
- Whether Matson can maintain its delivery schedule through 2028 amid potential shipbuilding challenges.
- Market Positioning
- How the additional capacity will affect Matson's competitive stance in Pacific trade routes.
- Regulatory Compliance
- The pace at which environmental regulations may impact the operational advantages of LNG-ready vessels.