Environmental Stewardship
Environmental Stewardship
Our vessels navigate some of the most pristine and environmentally sensitive areas in the Pacific, including the Hawaiian Islands, U.S. coastlines from California to Alaska, and around the islands in the South Pacific. We are committed to protecting these areas by operating our business in an environmentally responsible manner.
Our environmental strategy is focused on addressing the impacts from vessel and shoreside operations.
Climate Change
As a marine transportation company that relies on fossil fuels to power our vessels, we believe it is important to shift toward lower carbon fuel sources in the near term and to identify commercially viable net zero fuel sources in the future. Our strategy, developed by our executive leadership team and approved by our Board of Directors, is focused on an interim goal of achieving a 40% reduction in Scope 1 fleet emissions by 2030, measured against a 2016 baseline. Our longer-term goal is to achieve net zero Scope 1 fleet emissions by 2050.
Moving Toward a Low-Carbon Future
Our efforts to meet our 2030 and 2050 climate goals include investing in technology and efficiency upgrades, fleet modernization and new vessels. We are also collaborating with our industry to advance new solutions.
In 2021, we conducted a climate change risk assessment in alignment with the principles of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). In addition to outlining our GHG reduction goals, the TCFD Report details our governance approach and efforts to manage the business risks and opportunities stemming from climate change.
Air Emissions
Matson works to minimize emissions of air pollutants that can negatively impact human health and the environment. We installed Tier 3 engines on Lurline and Matsonia, which emit approximately 80% less NOx emissions compared to Tier 1 engines. We plan to install Tier 3 engines on the three new Aloha Class vessels. AMP and low-sulfur fuels are also used to reduce air emissions while in California ports and our vessels are designed to operate in compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) Emission Control Area regulations as applicable, helping to improve air quality in these locations.
To meet 2020 IMO regulations aimed at reducing SOx emissions, Matson installed exhaust gas cleaning systems, or “scrubbers,” on 10 vessels powered by diesel engines in our Alaska and Hawaii services and began using low-sulfur fuels on all of Matson’s other vessels. The scrubbers also reduce black carbon emissions and eliminate over 80% of particulate matter emissions.
Ocean Health
Our oceans are a vital natural and economic resource. They are home to millions of diverse species; support the livelihoods of billions of people; play a critical role in the carbon cycle; and regulate global climate. We strive to minimize our impacts on the marine environment and to safeguard our oceans for all who depend on it.
For more information about our Environmental Stewardship Program, please see:
- Overview of Environmental Stewardship Program
- Environmental Goals
- Vessels
- Terminal Operations
- LEED-certified buildings
- Partnerships