Realizing the importance of documented procedures and clear policies to safety and environmental management, Matson made the decision in 1998 to certify all of our vessels to the requirements of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, 4 years before the company was legally required to do so.  In 2003, Matson’s SS Chief Gadao became the first U.S.-Flag container vessel certified to the American Bureau of Shipping’s (ABS) Safety, Quality and Environmental Management (SQE) program.  All vessels in the Matson fleet joined the Chief Gadao by the end of that year.  The SQE program combines the now-mandatory ISM Code requirements with the voluntary ISO 9001 Quality Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Management standards.  Matson’s shoreside operations and offices were also certified to the ISO 14001 standard in 2003.

As an ISO 14000 certified company, Matson has a documented Environmental Management System which encourages continuous improvement, and is overseen by a Designated Management Representative.  One of the major components of Matson’s SQE program are established policies.   We believe our environmental policy is best summarized by the words, “meet or exceeds applicable federal, state and local legislative and regulatory requirements.”  Matson will exceed already stringent environmental standards when it makes sense to do so in an effort to reduce or eliminate environmental risks from our operations.

Matson has determined the significant environmental aspects and impacts of our business.  Related objectives and targets are established annually for our vessel operations and each objectives and targets.  The status of meeting established targets is published in our SQE Bulletin which is produced bi-monthly for all Matson employees.  The other major components of the Matson SQE program are regular, periodic audits and a corrective action system that promotes continuous improvement.  For its exemplary management system, innovative technology demonstration projects, and community outreach programs, Matson received the U.S. Coast Guard’s prestigious Benkert Environmental Award for Excellence in June 2006.