The reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons and particulate matter emissions has been a large environmental focus for Matson’s engineering department for several years. Matson's four newest vessels built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc., have modern, fuel efficient diesel engines and include state-of-the-art air emissions reduction technology including slide valves. These vessels have also been retrofitted with alpha lubricators and fuel oil homogenizers which help to reduce the levels of particulate matter, NOx emissions, and sludge formation.

On our older diesel ships, we have installed high efficiency turbo chargers on ship service diesel generators (SSDG) and have completely replaced one SSDG on each vessel which a new, fuel efficient model equipped with selective catalytic reductions units. Matson has also reduced air emissions on its steamships. In 2006, the main propulsion boilers on three steamships were retrofitted with internal mix atomizers. These atomizers optimize combustion, and reduce smoke, particulate matter and NOx emissions

Matson is in the process of retrofitting its fleet to accommodate shore power also known as cold ironing. This will allow our vessels to run on shore-based electricity while in port and eliminate all emissions from the auxiliary engines. Construction of the required shoreside infrastructure began at our Pier C Long Beach terminal in 2009 and will be completed in 2010. You can learn more about this project by viewing this video.