Matson Christened New Containership in Philadelphia

The shipping company marked a milestone in its $1 billion fleet expansion project at the Hanwha Philly Shipyard.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Transportation

Matson Christened New Containership in Philadelphia

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Matson held a christening ceremony for its new 3,600 TEU container ship, the Makua, at the Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia. The vessel is part of a broader $1 billion investment aimed at modernizing the company's fleet for its service routes.

Why it matters

These new vessels are designed to improve overall operating efficiency and reliability across Matson's Hawaii and China-Long Beach Express services. The expansion represents a significant commitment to maintaining modern capacity for these critical maritime trade lanes.

The Makua measures 850 feet in length with a capacity of 3,600 TEU and 408 reefer slots. The ship features a dual-fuel engine design capable of reaching a top speed of 24 knots and has a deadweight of nearly 51,000 dwt.

The players

Matson

Matson is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services, specializing in shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, and the Pacific islands.

Hanwha Philly Shipyard

Hanwha Philly Shipyard is a major U.S. shipbuilding facility located in Philadelphia that specializes in constructing Jones Act-compliant commercial vessels.

The details

The ship was constructed at the Philadelphia facility by joining grand blocks in a dry dock to meet Jones Act requirements. Approximately 300 guests gathered at the shipyard to witness the naming of the vessel, which serves as the first in a series of planned deliveries.

Assembly of the Makua began in August 2025.
Assembly for the second vessel began in May 2026.
The Makua was christened on October 10, 2026.
Delivery of the Makua is scheduled for Q1 2027.
Delivery of the Malama is scheduled for Q3 2027.

Market Landscape

Matson's investment aligns with the broader push to modernize domestic maritime fleets in accordance with the Jones Act. This move strengthens the company's competitive position by ensuring its vessel capacity remains reliable and efficient against other regional logistics providers.

For customers, this fleet expansion aims to improve the reliability and capacity of essential supply chains serving Hawaii and other Pacific routes. These upgrades are intended to ensure consistent service levels for businesses and consumers who rely on timely maritime shipments.

The takeaway

Matson's $1 billion investment underscores the long-term commitment required to maintain robust maritime infrastructure. The project highlights how shipping companies are balancing modern fuel efficiency requirements with the logistical demands of island-based trade routes.

What happens next

The Makua is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2027, followed by the Malama in the third quarter of 2027 and the Makena in the second quarter of 2028.