The Matson Aloha Class vessels will be designed and built by KOMAC, with delivery expected by 2023. The ships will operate on a route connecting Hawaii with the US mainland, providing vital transportation links between the islands and the continental US. The vessels will be built at the KOMAC shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, USA. The new containerships will feature a next-generation design that is optimized for energy efficiency and emissions reduction.
Advancing Sustainable Shipping
The Matson Aloha Class vessels represent a significant milestone in Matson Navigation Company’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact. The ships will feature a range of advanced technologies, including:
- A next-generation, LNG-ready design
- Dual fuel engines
- “Green ship technology”
- A Kongsberg Maritime Hybrid Electrical System
- Corvus Energy Orca ESS for energy storage
These technologies will enable the vessels to operate using either conventional marine fuels or liquefied natural gas (LNG), reducing emissions and energy consumption.
Green Ship Technology
Green ship technology refers to the use of advanced technologies and design features that reduce the environmental impact of shipping. The Matson Aloha Class vessels will feature a range of green ship technologies, including:
- Optimized hull design: The vessels will have a optimized hull design that minimizes drag and reduces energy consumption.
- Advanced propulsion systems
- Energy-efficient propulsion systems
- Air lubrication: The vessels will feature advanced air lubrication systems that reduce friction and minimize drag.
The Matson Aloha Class vessels will also be equipped with advanced navigation systems, including GPS and electronic charts.
Kongsberg Maritime Hybrid Electrical System
The Kongsberg Maritime Hybrid Electrical System will be integrated into each of the three new containerships. The system will include a Corvus Energy ESS and a range of other technologies designed to optimize energy use and reduce emissions. According to Kongsberg Maritime, “the hybrid system will enable the vessels to operate efficiently and reduce emissions. The Corvus Energy ESS will provide the necessary energy storage capacity to support the vessels’ advanced propulsion systems.”
Tor-Gunnar Hovig, SVP Sales Americas for Corvus Energy, stated, “Corvus Energy’s Orca ESS will provide the necessary energy storage capacity to support the vessels’ advanced propulsion systems and enable them to operate more efficiently and reduce emissions.”
Corvus Energy’s Role in the Project
Corvus Energy will supply the marine Energy Storage System (ESS) for each of the three new containerships. The Corvus Energy Orca ESS is the most installed marine battery system worldwide, used onboard more than 700 maritime vessels around the world.
Benefits of Hybrid Electrical System
The hybrid electrical system will provide a range of benefits to the Matson Aloha Class vessels, including:
- Improved efficiency
- Reduced emissions
- Increased energy storage capacity
Construction Timeline and Vessel Operation Route
The Matson Aloha Class vessels are expected to be delivered by 2023. The ships will operate on a route connecting Hawaii with the US mainland, providing vital transportation links between the islands and the continental US.
| Length | 260 metres | Beam | 32 metres | Gross Tonnage | 70,000 tonnes |
The Matson Aloha Class vessels will be designed and built by KOMAC, with delivery expected by 2023. The ships will operate on a route connecting Hawaii with the US mainland, providing vital transportation links between the islands and the continental US.
Conclusion
The Matson Aloha Class vessels represent a significant milestone in Matson Navigation Company’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact. With the integration of advanced technologies and green ship technologies, the vessels will be able to operate using either conventional marine fuels or liquefied natural gas (LNG), reducing emissions and energy consumption. The incorporation of Corvus Energy’s Orca ESS will provide the necessary energy storage capacity to support the vessels’ advanced propulsion systems, enabling them to operate more efficiently and reduce emissions. As the shipping industry continues to evolve towards more sustainable practices, the Matson Aloha Class vessels will play an important role in this transition.
