US container carrier Matson announced Thursday that its subsidiary Matson Navigation has ordered two new combination container and roro (ConRo) vessels for a total cost of US$511m.

The deal is with General Dynamics NASSCO and delivery is expected by the end of 2019 and by mid 2020. Each ship will be 869ft long and 115ft wide.

Honolulu-based boxline Matson specializes in Pacific routes, primarily to Hawaii but also to Alaska, Guam, Micronesia and Alaska, Guam, Micronesia and some South Pacific islands.