Honolulu Terminal - Modernizing Hawaii's Premier Cargo Gateway
Honolulu Terminal - Modernizing Hawaii's Premier Cargo Gateway
Matson’s Sand Island Terminal in Honolulu Harbor is undergoing modernization and is already Hawaii’s largest shipping facility, expanding from 107 to 144 acres. In conjunction with the State of Hawaii’s Harbors Modernization Program and guided by a long-term focus on efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability, these efforts include terminal improvements and a transition to cleaner operations that reduce emissions.
As part of the State's harbor modernization plan, the relocation of another carrier’s operations will allow Matson to expand its current Sand Island Terminal into Piers 51A and 51B in 2026, providing a 42% increase in waterfront and dock space.
Terminal improvements include:
- Modernized electric cranes
- Gate expansion from six to eight lanes with improved technology for faster access to cargo
- More than 30% increase in operational capacity
- Standalone power resiliency for uninterrupted services during catastrophic natural or man-made disasters
LNG-Powered Vessels and Modernized Gantry Cranes
With the introduction of its Aloha Class starting with the Daniel K. Inouye in 2018, Matson brought into service the largest containerships ever built in the United States. Designed to provide ample capacity to meet Hawaii's current cargo needs and provide growth for the future, these larger ships required higher-capacity crane systems.
In response, Matson installed three new 65-long-ton-capacity cranes and upgraded three existing cranes to modern electric power, replacing older diesel units. Built by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding, the modern cranes have a 63% increased lifting capacity, height, and reach, which enable full service of Matson's largest vessels. The electric cranes reduce emissions by 100%, are more energy efficient, easier to maintain, and are equipped with fiber-optic cabling, enabling faster and more accurate communication of data used in Matson's container tracking system.
The three 65-long-ton-capacity gantry cranes, the biggest ship-to-shore container cranes deployed at any commercial harbor in Hawaii, were delivered in April 2019 and went into service later that year. Each crane weighs approximately 1,290 tons.
In September 2024, Matson began construction on the first of three new Jones Act-compliant, LNG-powered, low-emission Aloha Class containerships as part of its long-term decarbonization strategy. These vessel additions ensure the ability to transport more cargo with reduced environmental impact while supporting operations and future growth.
Investing in Hawaii's Future
