Matson inks Kaimana Hila LNG retrofit deal with COSCO Shipping Nantong

U.S. shipowner Matson has inked a contract with Chinese shipbuilder COSCO Shipping Shipyard (Nantong) for the integration of an LNG dual-fuel gas supply system into the 2019-built container ship Kaimana Hila.

The contract signing ceremony for MV Kaimana Hila LNG retrofit project was held in Nantong on February 2.

The vessel will be the third vessel Matson is retrofitting with dual-fuel LNG capability as shipowners look at ways of meeting regulations such as CII and EEXI for their existing vessels.

The 3,600 TEU containership will be equipped with LNG dual-fuel gas supply and control systems for both the main engine and four auxiliary engines.

The ship’s engine will be converted from an MAN B&W S90ME-C10.5 unit to a dual-fuel ME-GI unit capable of running on LNG. The retrofit will be executed by MAN PrimeServ, the after-sales division of MAN Energy Solutions, in accordance with a contract signed in June 2022.

Critical to this green initiative is the installation of three 1,350 cubic meter LNG fuel tanks, accompanied by a comprehensive upgrade of system-related features, including fire extinguishing, ventilation, lighting, communications, and monitoring equipment.

This move aligns with the broader industry trend of embracing LNG as a cleaner alternative fuel, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and enhance environmental sustainability in global shipping.

The retrofit initiative stands as the fourth dual-duty project undertaken by COSCO Shipping Nantong, the shipyard said.

Matson’s decision to pursue the retrofit is aligned with the company’s corporate sustainability goals, aiming to achieve a 40% reduction in Scope 1 greenhouse gas fleet emissions by 2030 and net-zero Scope 1 GHG emissions by 2050.