Matson unveiled the first of its three new Aloha-class tankers at the Hanjin shipyard in Philadelphia on October 10, 2026. This unveiling is part of the company's $1 billion fleet modernization program and signifies the expansion of commercial shipbuilding under South Korean ownership at this yard.
Details of the 'Makua' Tanker Unveiling
The 'Makua' tanker was launched at a ceremony attended by around 300 people, including yard workers, union leaders, company executives, and federal officials. Jenny Wall, a board member of Matson, performed the unveiling ceremony by breaking a champagne bottle. Also present at the event were Mark Johnson, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration, and Lieutenant General Jared P. Hulett, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Transportation Command.
This ship, with a capacity of 3,600 TEU, is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2027 and will operate in Matson's service networks in Hawaii and China-Long Beach (CLX). 'Makua' is the first tanker of three new Aloha-class tankers ordered as part of an investment of nearly $1 billion. The second ship will be delivered in the third quarter of 2027, and the third ship in the second quarter of 2028.
Impacts and Benefits of the New Tankers
These tankers are designed to replace three existing vessels and will enhance Matson's capacity and efficiency in Pacific services. The new ships are based on the design of previous Aloha-class vessels, namely Daniel K. Inouye and Kaimana Hila, which were delivered by the same yard in 2018 and 2019 and were the largest tankers built in the United States at that time.
The new ships are designed to be approximately 850 feet long and capable of speeds over 24 knots, allowing Matson to maintain fast transit times that are critical for the company's quality Pacific services. Each ship will also be equipped with dual-fuel engines compatible with LNG, capable of operating on conventional marine fuels or liquefied natural gas.
Matson hopes that 'Makua' will be in service for its customers early next year. Matt Cox, President and CEO of Matson, stated that these ships will help improve reliability and capacity, and will also create hundreds of jobs at U.S. shipyards.
This unveiling also represents another step in Hanjin's expansion in commercial shipbuilding in the United States. Since the acquisition of the Philadelphia yard by this Korean consortium in late 2024, the construction of three ships has been progressing steadily. Steel cutting for 'Makua' began in October 2024, followed by the hull assembly process in August 2025. In May, the yard began construction of the second ship, 'Malama', and performed steel cutting for the third ship, 'Makena'.
This program is part of an overall expansion at the Philadelphia yard, where Hanjin is increasing its commercial orders while seeking additional government and maritime shipbuilding projects. The yard has also built multi-mission national security vessels for the U.S. Maritime Administration and has received orders for tankers and LNG ships.
The relationship between Matson and the Philadelphia shipyard dates back over two decades. Prior to the construction of the two Aloha-class ships, this yard delivered four Jones Act tankers to Matson between 2003 and 2006. These new ships will also continue Matson's tradition of using names from its early fleet. The name 'Makua' means parent, elder, ancestor, or family in Hawaiian.
