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Matson Adds Another Ship

June 2005

SIU members and others in the maritime industry who sailed aboard the Manulani over a three-day period of sea trials, found the ship seaworthy and ready for service. The Manulani is the third diesel-powered containership built for Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company at Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard. The new vessel is similar in capacity, speed and operating efficiency to Matson’s Seafarers-crewed Manukai and Maunawili. Those two ships also were built at Kvaerner Philadelphia; they entered service in 2003 and 2004, respectively. A fourth ship is expected to be placed in service in June 2006. These new vessels are part of a planned $354 million investment in ship, container and terminal assets that will be used to launch a new Guam and China service, which is scheduled to start in February 2006. Matson has the option to time charter these vessels in lieu of purchasing them. It also will have options with the shipyard to build up to four other containerships of similar design that are deliverable before June 2010. Before the Manulani could head out west to begin service, a number of checks needed to be performed on all aspects of the vessel’s operations. “We basically cause the ship’s systems to have issues,” stated Capt. Tom Casey of the Coast Guard. “We do a blackout test. We do engine tests. We check the vital systems, life supports and different speeds.” The May 6-9 sea trials took place on the Delaware River, which was fairly smooth. The 712-foot ship did hit a small storm, however, but it was nothing compared with what the crew could encounter on the open seas. Compliments abounded for the ship’s cafeteria and crew’s recreational room, and some problems with the hot and cold water regulators were noted for adjustment. Matson officially took delivery of the Manulani May 20, with christening ceremonies the following day. SIU members sail in the steward department aboard Matson ships, although for the sea trials, the complement of mariners included AB Phillip Yaros, Chief Cook Jose Guzman, AB Laurentis Colbert and AB Victor Cooper. ###