Matson Navigation said it has reduced its CO2 emissions by 13 percent between 2017 and 2019 and finished building four state-of-the-art U.S.-built ships with environmental features to help reduce full greenhouse emissions.
"We recently conducted a full greenhouse gas emissions inventory and are using the results to evaluate how best to reduce our impact on climate change," Matson said in its newly released sustainability report on its responsible environmental, social and governance practices.
To effectively reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, Matson said, it focuses on investing in in fleet to improve vessel efficiency, using route optimization technologies and investing in terminal operations.
For improving air quality, Matson said it has adopted “cold ironing,” which refers to the use of shoreside electrical power in port rather than burning diesel to keep our vessel engines running.
"We made modifications to our vessels serving ports in California and China to equip them to provide cold ironing, a move that is helping to reduce fuel and ultimately emissions," Matson said.
The company said nine of 12 active vessels in the domestic fleet have exhaust gas cleaning systems, or “scrubbers,” that virtually eliminate particulate matter and sulfur from engine exhaust.
"In addition, our four newest vessels are equipped with dual fuel capable engines which can run at full power on low-sulfur fuel or liquefied natural gas," Matson said.
The company reported a 38 percent reduction in sulfur oxide emissions between 2017 and 2019.
Matson's new report focuses on three areas that the company considers most important: environmental stewardship; caring for its employees and communities; and operating its business ethically, safely and reliably.
The report provides detail on the company's strategic approach, measures its progress and celebrates its key achievements.
"Over more than a century, Matson's business has been built on earning the trust of the customers and communities we serve and conducting our business with integrity.
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This report highlights Matson's achievements and the measures we are taking to advance responsible, sustainable and ethical practices throughout our company," said Matt Cox, chairman and chief executive officer. "I am proud of the work Matson is doing and we remain committed to building on our rich history."
Other highlights of the inaugural report include:
Diversity: Encouraged professional development and committed to providing new scholarships and internships aimed at increasing diversity among individuals pursuing studies in transportation and logistics
Safety/Covid-19: Pioneered internal Covid safety policies and protocols and shared best practices with the U.S. Coast Guard and other maritime leaders
"This is an exciting time for Matson," said Rachel Lee, vice president, sustainability and governance. "We are making progress toward achieving Matson's sustainability goals – from moving toward a low-carbon future; to promoting a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive culture; and continuing to protect our employees in the face of an unprecedented pandemic."
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