(PHILADELPHIA) — Philly Shipyard will build up to four new containerships and is in “advanced discussions” to create a new cargo shipping line for service between the West Coast and Hawaii, Philly.com reported. Currently, the route is served by only Matson and the Pasha Group.
The new fuel-efficient vessels will be built on spec, without a buyer. A maritime leasing company has offered preliminary terms for a charter, officials said.
Philly Shipyard said it is in discussions with a major U.S. shipping operator to create the cargo line with a fleet of ships that will be built here. “Several prominent investors and lenders in the U.S. shipping market have expressed interest,” the company announced.
The shipyard is currently building two 850-foot, 3,600-TEU containerships for Matson that are scheduled for delivery in 2018 and 2019. The ships announced Thursday will be “a continuation of the series.”
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