(Houston, TX---) Matson Navigation Company, one of the leading US domestic ocean carriers, has achieved certification of its combined Safety, Quality and Environmental Management Systems (SQE) to the exacting, internationally recognized standards established by ABS.

According to ABS Manager of Safety & Environmental Systems Certification Patrick L. Fallwell, Matson is the first US flag container vessel company to expand its management system to include full compliance with the ABS SQE standards resulting in this certification.

“Formalized management systems are now a part of everyday life for most of the maritime industry due largely to the ISM Code in SOLAS,” explains Fallwell. “However, companies that are integrating management systems that embrace both the ISM Code with quality management principles like ISO standards are the ones truly benefiting with increased efficiency, customer satisfaction, safer operations, reduced accidents and reduced claims.” The ABS SQE certification is a three-pronged approach to a comprehensive quality system sought after by leaders in the maritime industry.

Matson is the principal carrier of containerized freight and automobiles between the US Pacific Coast and Hawaii, Guam and the mid-Pacific. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Along with ocean transportation it is recognized for its full range of services including intermodal and logistics support.

“Matson considers safety, quality and environmental policies as an integral part of our business,” says Paul Londynsky, Director, Safety, Quality and Environmental Affairs, Matson Navigation Company. “We believe no job is effectively completed unless it is done safely and with consideration for its impact on the environment. We have had a ‘zero overboard discharge' program for all Matson container vessels for over a decade. The SQE certification program was the next logical step for a company such as Matson that serves some of the most pristine areas of the United States.

"Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification society devoted to promoting the security of life, property and the marine environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine-related facilities.

Matson is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. of Honolulu(NASDAQ: ALEX).