General Dynamics NASSCO has started construction on the second ship in a two-ship series of Kanaloa-class containerships for Matson Navigation Company.
Construction of Matsonia began with a ceremonial first cut of steel at NASSCO’s San Diego shipyard where the first ship in the series, Lurline, is 15 percent complete.
Both ships will transport containers, automobiles and rolling stock between the West Coast of the United States and Hawaii.
The ship design incorporates liquefied natural gas-capable main and auxiliary engines, which are compliant with Tier III emission requirements, making the 870-foot-long, 3,500 TEU Con-Ro vessels LNG-ready.
These new Kanaloa-class vessels designed specifically for serving Hawaii, Ron Forest, president of Matson, said.
Construction of the first ship for Matson, Lurline, is scheduled to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2019, wits Matsonia joining its sister ship in the second quarter of 2020.
Image Courtesy: Nassco