A new generation of ships is taking shape for Guam and the Pacific as Matson and Philly Shipyard celebrate a key construction milestone.

In Philadelphia, Matson and Hanwha Philly Shipyard held a dock-mounting ceremony to mark the start of hull assembly for the first of three new “Aloha Class” container ships.

The engine room block, weighing 420 metric tons, was lowered into the dry dock, with ceremonial coins placed for good fortune and safe passage.

The 854-foot vessels will serve Matson's Hawaii, Guam, and China-Long Beach Express routes with faster speeds, greater capacity, and cleaner fuel technology.

The first ship is expected to be delivered in 2027.

“These new ships are just the latest Jones Act vessels Matson has built with Philly Shipyard over the past 22 years, supporting 1,500 jobs for skilled American workers and providing additional opportunities for American mariners,” said Matt Cox, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Matson.

“Our existing Aloha Class ships are among the fastest, most efficient vessels in the Matson fleet,” added Cox. “These new vessels will expand Matson’s Jones Act fleet and enhance our service capabilities in the Asia-U.S. trade lane, while providing additional capacity and speed benefitting customers of our Hawaii and Guam services.”