Matson orders two LNG-powered con-ro ships

U.S. shipper, Matson, said its unit Matson Navigation Company ordered two dual fuel con-ro vessels at General Dynamics NASSCO for a price of $511 million. 

The Kanaloa Class combination container and roll-on/roll-off vessels, to be named Lurline and Matsonia are scheduled for delivery by end 2019 and mid-year 2020, the company said in its statement on Thursday.

The two vessels will be built on a 3,500 TEU vessel platform, which is 265 meters long, 34.9 meters wide, with a deep draft of 11.5 meters and enclosed garage space for up to 800 vehicles. According to Matson, both vessels will have a fuel efficient design, double hull fuel tanks and fresh water ballast systems.

The Lurline and Matsonia will both feature dual-fuel engines capable of running on conventional fuel oils or liquefied natural gas.

The two vessels are set to replace three diesel-powered vessels in active service, which will be moved to reserve status.

With the delivery of the two Kanaloa Class vessels, Mastson will complete the renewal of its Hawaii fleet.