Largest Containership Built in US Arrives in Hawai‘i

Matson, Inc. welcomed the first of four new ships being built for the company that will be introduced in its Hawaiʻi service over the next two years. Named in honor of Hawaiʻi’s late senior U.S. Senator, the Daniel K. Inouye is the largest containership ever built in the United States.

Weighing in at over 51,400 metric tons, the 850-foot long vessel is Matson’s largest ship and also its fastest, with a top speed in excess of 23 knots. The arrival of Daniel K. Inouye also marks the beginning of a nearly $1 billion investment by Matson in its Hawaiʻi service over the next few years, with the four new ships completing a renewal of its Hawaiʻi fleet, and a terminal expansion and modernization project at its Sand Island facility in Honolulu.

All four new vessels have been designed by Matson specifically for its Hawaiʻi service and incorporate a number of “green ship technology” features that will help protect the environment, including a more fuel efficient hull design, dual fuel engines that can be adapted to use liquefied natural gas, environmentally safe double hull fuel tanks and fresh water ballast systems.

“These new ships are the future for Hawaiʻi shipping and will bring a new level of efficiency and reliability to our service,” said Matt Cox, chairman and chief executive officer. “The substantial investment in new technology underscores Matson’s long-term commitment to Hawaiʻi and our desire to serve the islands in the most advanced, environmentally friendly way for years to come.”

Arrival of Daniel K. Inouye – the largest containership built in the US – into Honolulu. Photo credit: Tim Rue for Matson

Arrival of Daniel K. Inouye – the largest containership built in the US – into Honolulu. Photo credit: Tim Rue for Matson

Arrival of Daniel K. Inouye – the largest containership built in the US – into Honolulu. Photo credit: Tim Rue for Matson