LNG

SEA-LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition established to demonstrate the benefits of the LNG fuel for shipping, has signed up the New York Stock Exchange-listed US containership and transport company Matson serving commercial life-line services to South Pacific Islands and Hawaii, Guam and Alaska.

“We are pleased to have such a well renowned carrier and logistics company as Matson onboard,” declared Peter Keller, Chairman of SEA-LNG.

“With its long history of positive innovation in the important and environmentally sensitive markets it serves, Matson will add valuable expertise to the coalition,” explained Keller.

“We are also pleased to be able to help the company achieve its critical decarbonisation aims through the LNG pathway,” stated the Chairman.

US-China

In addition to its South Pacific services Matson also provides economic links between China and Long Beach, California, and between the US and Okinawa in Japan.

Another premium located served by Matson is Dutch Harbor on Amaknak Island in Alaska.

SEA-LNG said that Matson’s core values align well with those of the alliance with the company prioritising the environment, safety, innovation and integrity in all of its operations.

“Matson is already working collaboratively across the shipping industry to promote positive change and to mitigate the industry’s environmental impact. It has also invested in sustainability across the company, for example in the design of new state-of-the-art vessels,” said SEA-LNG.

SEA-LNG noted that in 2023 Matson will be among the first shipping companies to convert existing containerships to operate on LNG.

Retrofits

“Retrofits of dual-fuel systems can future-proof investments and reduce the risk of stranded assets,” it said.

“They offer shipowners a viable pathway to net-zero emissions by 2050, while also providing optionality, more stable costs and lower emissions along the way,” added SEA-LNG.

Other fuels are emerging to sit alongside LNG as a cleaner fuel such as BioLNG, which is already commercially available as a drop-in bunker fuel.

“The LNG pathway is an important part of our strategy for reducing the greenhouse-gas emissions of our fleet by 40 percent by 2030,” said Matt Cox, Chairman and Chief Executive of Matson.

“The transition to bioLNG and in the longer term e-LNG, as well as continuing to improve the commercial availability of conventional LNG worldwide, will be critical to achieving our goals,” added Cox.

“We believe SEA-LNG will be a valuable partner on this journey and we look forward to working with them,” stated the CEO.