Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company, along with Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, is scheduled to christen the Maunawili this month. The Maunawili is the second diesel-powered containership built for Matson at Kvaerner Philadelphia, which is hosting the July 17 christening.
U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine, is the event’s keynote speaker. Lt. General Gary Hughey, deputy commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), also will address the audience.
Marianna G. Shaw, great granddaughter of one of the founders of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. will do the christening. (Matson is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin.)
The Maunawili is virtually identical to sister ship Manukai, which was christened in July 2003 at Kvaerner Philadelphia. Each diesel-powered vessel is 712 feet long and can carry 2,600 containers.
The shipyard reported that the Maunawili was floated for the first time on May 15. The vessel is expected to be added to Matson’s fleet of Jones Act trade vessels.
The Manukai was the first vessel built in the newly revitalized Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard and the first newly constructed vessel introduced by Matson since 1992 (the R.J. Pfeiffer).
SIU members sail in the steward department aboard Matson ships.
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