An order for container ships placed by the American shipping company Matson at the Hanwha Philly Shipyard suffered a delay. The order provides for the delivery of three vessels, which was initially scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026 and 2027. However, it will now be completed between the first quarter of 2027 and the second quarter of 2028.
The contract for the construction of the ships was signed in 2022 with a total value of USD 1 billion, with each one having a value exceeding USD 330 million, reported Imarine.
Within the construction process, Malama, the second container ship of the shipping company’s Aloha class with a capacity of 3,600 TEU, entered the final stage of hull assembly, while the steel-cutting ceremony was also held for the third vessel in the series, Makena.
The first vessel, Makua, will begin its final assembly in August 2026. Once the three vessels in the series are delivered, they will be among the largest container ships ever built at an American shipyard.
This type of container ship has an approximate length of 260 meters and a maximum speed of 23.5 knots. It can carry 3,220 standard containers and is equipped with 408 compartments for refrigerated containers. The units feature a dual-fuel engine, as well as other sustainable technologies, such as a highly energy-efficient hull design and a freshwater ballast system.
