US carrier, Matson last week christened its containership ‘Daniel K. Inouye’ specifically built to serve Hawaii at the Philly Shipyard.
The vessel is the first of two new ships based for the Honolulu-based Matson at a total cost of $418 million for the pair.
As Matson’s first ‘Aloha Class’ containership, Daniel K. Inouye features dual-fuel engines that can be adapted to use liquefied natural gas (LNG), double hull fuel tanks, fresh water ballast systems and a more fuel efficient hull design.
Weighing in at over 51,400 metric tons, the 850-foot long and 3,600 TEU capacity Daniel K. Inouye is Matson’s largest ship and the largest containership ever constructed in the United States, the company said in its statement.
It is also Matson’s fastest vessel, with a top speed of nearly 24 knots, helping ensure on-time deliveries in Hawaii from Matson’s three West Coast terminals in Seattle, Oakland and Long Beach.