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Comprehensive Suite Of Furuno Electronics Guides New Matson Vessel Kaimana Hila

The second of the largest pair of ships ever built in an American shipyard, Matson's Aloha Class Kaimana Hila, was delivered on March 28th. Both vessels feature a comprehensive package of Furuno electronics.

Camas, WA - On March 28, 2019, the second vessel in Matson's Aloha Class was delivered and, at 850 feet and 50,794 DWT, they are the largest pair of ships ever built in a U.S shipyard. On March 9, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, proudly christened the new Matson container ship at the Philly Shipyard in Pennsylvania. Both the Kaimana Hila and her predecessor, the Daniel K. Inouye, carry up to 3,600 standard 20' TEU containers, and also feature 408 reefer slots, to carry cargo between the Hawaiian Islands and terminals in Seattle, WA, Oakland, CA, and Long Beach, CA. As they did with the Daniel K. Inouye, Matson chose Furuno to provide the critical electronics that guide the new vessel and keep its crew and cargo safe on the water.

The completely integrated suite of electronics feature Furuno's FAR2827 Radar, FAR3320 and FAR3330S Chart Radars, and four FMD3300 ECDIS systems with Alert management and Track Control capabilities. Multiple Furuno sensors feed essential data to the system, including dual GP170D GPS Navigators, FA170 AIS, and NX700P Navtex. Multiple Furuno VHF and MF/HF Radiotelephones with integrated DSC complement the two complete FELCOM suites, ensuring constant, reliable communications are always available. The FE800 IMO Navigation Echo Sounder, DS60 3-axis Doppler Sonar, and GS100 Satellite Speed Log ensure safe travels and efficient docking maneuvers are achieved. Furuno's BR500 Bridge Alarm System and VR7000 Voyage Data Recorder are connected to the entire suite to monitor the Watch Officer's presence and deliver hassle-free retrieval and playback of crucial data.

The mission of the new Aloha Class vessels is to deliver cargo between Hawaii and west coast continental US ports. They utilize dual-fuel engines that can be adapted to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), and, with top speeds of up to 24 knots, the pair are the fastest vessels in the Matson fleet. Coupled with their fuel efficient hull design, environmentally safe double-hull tanks, and other 'green ship' technologies, the Daniel K. Inouye and Kaimana Hila are among the most effective and environmentally sound vessels ever constructed in the nation.

The ship was named for Lēʻahi, also called Kaimana Hila or "Diamond Head", the iconic volcanic crater and National Natural Landmark on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Fittingly, Kaimana Hila also happened to be a favorite song of Senator Inouye. Rep. Gabbard was joined aboard by Philly Shipyard CEO Steiner Nerbovik and Matson Chairman & CEO Matt Cox for the Kaimana Hila's christening ceremony.

"Our ancestors' mastery of navigation and voyaging shaped a view of the ocean not as a separation, but as a bridge connecting our islands." said Rep Gabbard in her remarks. "Matson continues this tradition today. As an island state, we rely on these ships to deliver many of the goods needed for our daily lives. Thank you to the many hands who built this ship, and those who will safely man her decks, carrying her and her cargo to and from our state."

Furuno is proud to provide the electronics for the both the Daniel K. Inouye and her new sister ship, the Kaimana Hila, as the pair efficiently and effectively service the islands' growing needs for years to come. For more information on Furuno products, contact: Furuno U.S.A., 4400 N.W. Pacific Rim Blvd., Camas, WA 98607. Phone: (360) 834-9300.

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