California-based shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO has celebrated the keel laying of Matsonia, Matson’s second Kanaloa-class combination container, roll-on/roll-off (ConRo) vessel.
The keel laying ceremony for the Hull 602 took place in San Diego on July 17, 2019, only a few weeks after launching Matsonia’s sister ship, Lurline .
Construction of the 3,500 TEU Matsonia began with a first cut of steel in April 2018 and the ship is expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2020.
The two Kanaloa-class vessels are being built for Honolulu-based Matson at a total cost of approximately USD 500 million for the pair. Both ships will transport containers, automobiles and rolling stock between the West Coast of the United States and Hawaii. With a deadweight of 47,000 tons, they will feature a length of 265 meters and a width of 34.9 meters.
Both new vessels will have an enclosed garage with room for approximately 500 vehicles plus ample space for rolling stock and breakbulk cargo. They will also feature green technology, including fuel-efficient hull design, environmentally safe double hull fuel tanks, freshwater ballast systems and the Tier 3 dual-fuel engines.
World Maritime News Staff