Matson Christens First of Three New Aloha Class Containerships at Hanwha Philly Shipyard

Matson has christened the first of three new Jones Act containerships at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, marking another milestone in the carrier’s $1 billion fleet renewal program as the Philadelphia yard expands commercial shipbuilding under South Korean ownership.

The new vessel, Makua, was christened Saturday, October 10, during a ceremony attended by approximately 300 people, including shipyard workers, union leaders, company executives and federal officials.

Matson board member Jenai Wall performed the traditional champagne bottle christening. Among those attending were U.S. Maritime Administration Deputy Administrator Mark Johnson and U.S. Transportation Command Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Jered P. Helwig.

The 3,600-TEU vessel is