SAN DIEGO, Nov. 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- General Dynamics
NASSCO has started construction on a Kanaloa-class containership
for Matson Navigation Company, Inc., as part of a two-ship
contract.
The 870-foot-long, 3,500 TEU containership design provides the
capability to transport containers, automobiles and rolling stock,
including trailers. Using proven design standards, the design
incorporates liquefied natural gas-capable main and auxiliary
engines, which are compliant with Tier III emission requirements.
The design accommodates future installation of a LNG fuel gas
system.
"We're honored to advance the Matson fleet with two large,
modern vessels reflecting the highest standards of design and
energy efficiency," said Kevin
Graney, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. "The
construction we began today, and the contracted work for several
additional U.S. Navy ships, require additional manpower at our
San Diego shipyard. NASSCO will
soon begin hiring to continue our reputation of delivering high
quality ships on schedule."
"These Jones Act-qualified, Kanaloa Class vessels are designed
specifically for our Hawaii
service, and we're thrilled to partner with NASSCO on their
development," said Ron Forest,
president of Matson. "The start of construction today has only
heightened our excitement to watch these vessels come to life, and
we look forward to seeing them serving our customers in the
Hawaii trade."
Representatives from NASSCO and Matson gathered in San Diego for a brief ceremony to cut the
first pieces of steel, signifying the start of construction for the
first of two vessels for Matson. Construction of the first ship is
scheduled to be complete in 2019. A second Kanaloa-class
containership for Matson will begin construction in 2018 with
delivery in 2020.
NASSCO partnered with Daewoo Ship Engineering Company to provide
Matson with state-of-the-art ship design and shipbuilding
technologies. For more than a decade, this partnership has produced
premium ships for five separate Jones Act owners.
NASSCO serves as the only major shipyard on the West Coast of
the United States designing,
constructing and repairing ships for the U.S. Navy and commercial
customers. In the past decade, NASSCO has delivered more than 30
cutting-edge, ocean-going ships, including the world's first
LNG-powered containerships.
For more information about NASSCO, a business unit of General
Dynamics (NYSE: GD), visit nassco.com.
For more information about Matson, Inc. visit matson.com.
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SOURCE General Dynamics NASSCO