(HONOLULU) — Matson has completed the conversion of its third containership to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) as part of a long-term strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Offshore Energy reported.
The containership Kaimana Hila, built in 2019 by Philly Shipyard, was retrofitted with an LNG dual-fuel gas supply system in accordance with a contract Matson had signed with Chinese shipbuilder COSCO Shipping Shipyard (Nantong) in February.
As per the contract terms, the 3,600-TEU containership was equipped with LNG dual-fuel gas supply and control systems for both the main engine and four auxiliary engines.
The ship’s main engine was converted from a MAN B&W S90ME-C10.5 unit to a dual-fuel ME-GI unit capable of running on LNG. MAN PrimeServ, the after-sales division of MAN Energy Solutions (ES), executed the retrofit.
Following the conversion and with the addition of the new bow windshield for improved aerodynamics and fuel conservation, Kaimana Hila returned to service in early December.
Kaimana Hila is Matson’s third vessel converted to operate on LNG, joining sister ships Daniel K. Inouye and Manukai. Matson also has three LNG-ready Aloha-class containerships on order at Philly Shipyard. The first unit, Makua, is under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2026.
