General Dynamics NASSCO has started construction on the second ship in a two-ship series of Kanaloa-class containerships for Matson Navigation Company, Inc. The ship design incorporates LNG-capable main (MAN 6G90ME-C10.5-Gl) and auxiliary engines, which are compliant with Tier III emission requirements.

Future installation of a LNG fuel gas system can be accommodated on the 870-foot (265m), 3,500 TEU platform combination container and roll-on/roll-off (“Con-Ro”) vessels.

Construction of Matsonia began with a ceremonial first cut of steel at NASSCO’s San Diego shipyard where the first ship in the series, Lurline, is 15% complete. Both ships will transport containers, automobiles and rolling stock between the West Coast of the United States and Hawaii.

Construction of the Lurline is scheduled to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2019. Matsonia, the second of the series, is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2020.

In April 2015, General Dynamics NASSCO launched the 764-foot (233m), 3100 TEU Isla Bella, the first LNG-powered containership. The containership, part of a two-ship contract, was built for TOTE, a leading logistics and transportation company. (Earlier post.)