General Dynamics NASSCO to Launch Largest Containership Ever Built in San Diego

SAN DIEGO — General
Dynamics NASSCO will hold an event on June 15 to christen and launch the
containership Lurline, the largest such ship ever built in San Diego, the
company announced.

Lurline, constructed
for Honolulu-based Matson Inc., is an 870-foot vessel that can hold 3,500 cargo
containers — 20-foot-equivalent units (TEUs).

She has
liquefied natural gas-capable engines and is designed for energy efficiency. Lurline
is the lead ship of a two-vessel contract being built for Matson.

Thousands
of people had roles in constructing the Lurline, which is designed to not only transport
containers but also automobiles and rolling stock, including trailers. The
construction and operation of the Lurline and its future sister ship are
aligned with the Jones Act, which requires that goods transported between U.S.
ports must go on ships that are built, owned and operated by U.S. citizens or
permanent residents.

NASSCO is
the only major shipyard on the West Coast of the U.S. that is designing,
constructing and repairing ships for the U.S. Navy and commercial customers.

Ceremony participants will include General Dynamics NASSCO President Kevin Graney and Matson CEO Matt Cox. Constance Lau, CEO and director of Hawaiian Electric Industries and a Matson board member, will christen the ship with the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle on the hull.

The christening will be streamed live on June 15 starting at 6:30 p.m.