Shin Nihonkai Ferry Hamanasu vessel launch

Shin Nihonkai Ferry announced the upcoming launch of its new large car ferry, the ‘Hamanasu’, which was scheduled to begin service on the Otaru-Maizuru route on September 1, 2026. The deployment followed delays caused by defects identified during construction at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Shimonoseki Shipyard. The new vessel was intended to replace the existing ‘Akashiya’.

Upon its official launch, the 199-meter, 14,300-ton vessel began operating with advanced energy-saving features, including a specialized hull design and a stabilization system aimed at reducing fuel consumption by 5%. The ship is also testing next-generation perovskite solar cells on its deck.

In addition to its capacity for passengers, trucks, and cars, the ‘Hamanasu’ features amenities such as themed restaurants, a screening room, and pet-friendly accommodations. Local officials highlighted the vessel as a vital alternative transport route for domestic logistics, particularly for use during large-scale disasters on the Pacific coast.