Aloha-class freighter

The Aloha class is a pair of container ships built by Philly Shipyard for Matson. The vessels are the largest of their type to be built in the United States.

Matson placed the $418 million order for the two ships in November 2013.[1] In October 2015, the ceremonial first steel cutting took place, with both ships to be built roughly in parallel until their deliveries in late 2018.[2] The first vessel, Daniel K. Inouye, was christened on 30 June 2018, though outfitting work continued until late in the year.[3][4] She was delivered on 1 November, and made her first voyage to Hawaii later in the month.[5] The second ship, Kaimana Hila, is scheduled for completion in 2019.[4] Upon their entry into service, Matson will operate both ships from continental United States ports to Hawaii.[6]

At 854 feet (260 m) in length, and with a deadweight tonnage of 50,794 DWT, Aloha-class ships are the largest container ships ever built in the United States.[3] Each ship has a cargo capacity of 3,600 TEUs and is powered by a dual fuel engine, burning either diesel fuel or liquefied natural gas, that gives a service speed of about 23 knots (26 mph).[6][3]