Aloha Daniel K. Inouye

Matson’s newest and largest ship, Daniel K. Inouye, arrived in Honolulu Harbor on Wednesday, 28 November 2018.

Daniel K. Inouye offshore, as seen from Foss Maritime tug Mikioi. 28 November 2018.

Named in honor of the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye (1924–2012), the ship was built at Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At 850 feet in length and weighing over 51,400 metric tons with a 3,600 TEU capacity, she is the the largest container vessel built in the United States to date.

After leaving the shipyard in Philadelphia, the ship traveled through the Panama Canal and called at Oakland, California and Long Beach, California before heading to Hawai‘i.

Daniel K. Inouye approaching Honolulu Harbor. 28 November 2018.

Foss Maritime tugs Mikioi and Pi‘ilani were assigned to assist the Daniel K. Inouye to Pier 52, Honolulu Harbor. She was also accompanied by Sause Bros. tug Tira Lani, Foss Maritime tug Freedom, and Hawaii Pilots Association pilot boat Ahua Point.

Captain Steve Baker (Pilot 12) of the Hawaii Pilots Association was the pilot.

Sause Bros. tug Tira Lani and Hawaii Pilots Association pilot boat Ahua Point off Daniel K. Inouye’s port side. 28 November 2018.

Freedom and Tira Lani performed the traditional water salute.

Water salute by Foss Maritime tug Freedom. 28 November 2018.

Daniel K. Inouye’s bulbous bow slips through the water just outside Honolulu Harbor. Diamond Head is in the distance. 28 November 2018.

Daniel K. Inouye turns in front of Aloha Tower with Mikioi assisting. 28 November 2018.

View along Daniel K. Inouye’s hull with Pi‘ilani working at the ship’s stern. 28 November 2018.

Daniel K. Inouye tied up at Pier 52. 28 November 2018.

Mahalo nui loa to Michael MacDonald and Captain Whit Olson III. Special thanks to Captain Larry Lamarca.