Matson Navigation Company

Matson Navigation Company. Founded in 1882 by Captain William Matson, it is a leading carrier in the Pacific Ocean trades, providing vital container shipping and logistics services. The company's history is deeply intertwined with the economic development of Hawaii and Alaska, evolving from sailing ships to a modern fleet. Today, it is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange and maintains its headquarters in Honolulu.

History

The company's origins trace to 1882 when Captain William Matson sailed the three-masted schooner Emma Claudina from San Francisco to Hilo, carrying food, merchandise, and plantation supplies. This voyage established a critical trade link that supported the burgeoning sugarcane industry in the Kingdom of Hawaii. The enterprise expanded rapidly with the acquisition of larger vessels like the steamship Lurline, facilitating increased commerce between the U.S. West Coast and the Territory of Hawaii. During World War II, the company's entire fleet was requisitioned by the United States Maritime Commission, playing a crucial role in the Pacific War under the War Shipping Administration. The postwar era saw a strategic shift to containerization, with Matson launching the *Hawaiian Citizen* as one of the first fully containerized ships in the Pacific in 1958, revolutionizing cargo handling.

Fleet

Matson operates a modern, owned fleet of vessels designed for its specific trade routes. The fleet includes both conventional container ships and faster, more efficient vessels like those in the Aloha class, such as the *Daniel K. Inouye* and the *Kaimana Hila*, which serve the Hawaii market. For its services to Alaska, Guam, and Micronesia, the company utilizes ships like the *Maunalei* and the *Manukai*. A significant recent addition is the LNG-powered *Lurline*, part of the new Kanaloa class, representing a major investment in environmental sustainability. The fleet is supported by extensive container assets, including specialized refrigerated containers for perishable goods and equipment for project cargo.

Services

The company's primary service is providing reliable, scheduled ocean freight transportation between the U.S. West Coast—primarily the Ports of Long Beach, Oakland, and Seattle—and the domestic markets of Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam. It also operates services connecting the West Coast to key destinations in the South Pacific, such as American Samoa, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Tahiti. Through its subsidiary Matson Logistics, the company offers integrated intermodal rail and truck transportation, warehousing, and supply chain management services throughout North America. Furthermore, Matson provides specialized services including vehicle shipping and breakbulk cargo handling for the unique needs of its island communities.

Corporate affairs

Matson is incorporated in the State of Hawaii and publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MATX. Its corporate headquarters are located in the Matson Building in downtown Honolulu. The company is led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Matt Cox and maintains major operational hubs at the Port of Long Beach and the Sand Island terminal in Honolulu. Key subsidiaries include Matson Logistics, Inc. and Matson Terminals, Inc.. The company is a significant employer in the communities it serves and is actively involved in various civic and environmental stewardship programs across the Pacific.

Accidents and incidents

The company has experienced several notable maritime incidents throughout its long history. In 1915, the steamship *Enterprise* was lost off the coast of Northern California. A significant disaster occurred in 1937 when the *Monterey* was involved in a collision with the tanker *Frank H. Buck* in San Francisco Bay, resulting in a fire and loss of life. More recently, in 2013, the container ship *Manoa* lost 21 containers overboard during a storm en route to Honolulu from Long Beach, prompting reviews of cargo securing procedures. The company's safety record is governed by strict adherence to regulations from the United States Coast Guard and the American Bureau of Shipping.

Category:Shipping companies of the United States Category:Companies based in Honolulu Category:Transportation in Hawaii Category:Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange