Shin Nihonkai Ferry to launch new vessel ‘Hamanasu’ on September 1

Shin Nihonkai Ferry has announced that its new large car ferry, the ‘Hamanasu’, is scheduled to begin service on September 1. The vessel will serve the route between Otaru and Maizuru, replacing the existing ‘Akashiya’.

The deployment follows a delay caused by defects identified during construction at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Shimonoseki Shipyard. The ship is expected to be completed and delivered on August 27. Due to this schedule, services planned for the ‘Hamanasu’ on August 30 and 31 will be canceled. The new service will officially commence with the departure from Otaru at 11:30 PM on September 1.

The ‘Hamanasu’ is a 199-meter, 14,300-ton vessel designed with energy-saving features, including a vertical bow and a specialized stern shape, achieving a 5% increase in energy efficiency compared to previous models. It features a capacity for 286 passengers, approximately 50 trucks, and 30 passenger cars. Onboard amenities include an open-concept design inspired by Hokkaido's nature, an open-air bath, a sauna, and a dedicated screening room named ‘Kamui’.