Construction began on two new, so-called ‘Aloha Class’ Matson containerships today.

The cutting of steel plates for the construction of both ships began this morning, following a ceremony at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard in Pennsylvania.

The ships have been specifically designed for service to the islands and have greater capacity and the latest in environmentally geared technology, according to a company statement.

Matson Navigation Company Inc., a Matson subsidiary, signed the $418 million contract with Aker for construction of the ships in 2013. 

Both ships are scheduled to be delivered to the islands in the third and fourth quarters of 2018, respectively.

The first of the new ships will be named after the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, who Matson describes as a longtime supporter of the U.S. maritime industry.