US-based shipping company Matson has christened its new Aloha Class containership, Makua, marking another milestone in its fleet renewal programme and efforts to strengthen cargo services connecting the US mainland with Hawaii and other Pacific markets.
The vessel is part of Matson’s Aloha Class fleet, designed to provide reliable container transportation across the Pacific. The new-generation ships are built to support efficient cargo operations while meeting modern environmental and operational standards.
The vessel was christened on October 10, 2026, at Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, with approximately 300 guests attending the ceremony. Matson board member Jenai Wall officially named the ship, which is the first of three new Aloha Class containerships being built for the carrier.
The three-vessel programme represents an investment of approximately US$1 billion. The ships will replace existing vessels operating on Matson’s Hawaii and China–Long Beach Express (CLX) services, helping improve operational efficiency, service reliability and cargo capacity.
The Makua is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2027. The other two vessels, Malama and Makena, are expected in the third quarter of 2027 and second quarter of 2028, respectively.
The new ships will be built with dual-fuel engines and delivered LNG-ready, allowing them to operate on conventional marine fuels and liquefied natural gas. They will also incorporate fuel-efficient hull designs and other features intended to improve environmental performance.
The fleet renewal programme is expected to strengthen Matson’s Pacific shipping network while supporting US commercial shipbuilding and maritime employment.