Shin Nihonkai Ferry launches new Hamanasu vessel on Otaru-Maizuru route

Shin Nihonkai Ferry has launched its new vessel, the ‘Hamanasu’, on the Otaru-Maizuru route. The ship, which was built at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Shimonoseki Shipyard, officially began service on September 1, 2026, replacing the ‘Akashia’.

The 199-meter vessel has a gross tonnage of approximately 14,300 tons and can carry about 150 trucks, 30 passenger cars, and 286 passengers. It features advanced energy-saving technology, including a ducktail hull design and a specialized stabilization system that reduces fuel consumption by 5% compared to previous models. Additionally, the ship is testing next-generation perovskite solar cells on its deck to reduce environmental impact.

Onboard amenities are designed around a Hokkaido nature theme, featuring themed restaurants, a screening room with projection mapping, and a variety of accommodations, including the first pet-friendly rooms on this route. Local officials noted that the new vessel will serve as a vital alternative transport route for domestic logistics, particularly in the event of large-scale disasters on the Pacific coast.