Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries(MHI) Group, held the christening and launching ceremony for the KEYAKI ferry at its Shimonoseki plant. This vessel is the first of two units ordered by Shinnihonkai Ferry Company in collaboration with the Japan Railway Construction, Transportation and Technology Agency(JRTT).
The christening of the ferry KEYAKI in Shimonoseki
The ceremony took place at the shipyard’s Enoura plant and was attended by Yasuo Iritani, president of Shinnihonkai Ferry, who officially named the ship KEYAKI, in reference to the Japanese zelkova tree, and soprano Ayako Tanaka, who was in charge of the ceremonial cutting of the rope.
The KEYAKI ferry introduces a series of technological innovations that seek to optimize its operational and environmental efficiency. The use of a katana-type bow and a ducktail stern, both designed to reduce hydrodynamic drag, are highlighted.
Moreover, the ship achieves energy savings of approximately 5% compared to previous models. With a length of 199 meters and a beam of 25.5 meters, the ferry can accommodate 286 passengers, 150 trucks and 30 passenger cars, reaching a cruising speed of 28.3 knots.
The addition of the KEYAKI to the Shinnihonkai Ferry fleet is in line with Japan’s national modal shift strategy. This policy seeks to shift part of the land freight transport to maritime routes to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and address the shortage of drivers in the logistics sector.
The route that the ferry will cover, between Otaru(Hokkaido) and Maizuru(Kyoto), is positioned as a strategic link between the north and south of the country. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding strengthens its role in building modern vessels that integrate operational efficiency with environmental sustainability.
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Source and photo: MHI
