In 1993, Matson begins a conversion program for the Maui and Kauai, which increases the vessels’ 40-foot capacity and extend their service lives by 15 years by converting three of five container holds to an “open top” design, eliminating the movement of hatch covers and the lashing and unlashing of containers. The conversion to a hatch coverless – or open top – design is a first for a U.S. carrier.
