Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Launches Japan’s New Large Car Ferry ‘HAMANASU’

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has launched its newest large car ferry, HAMANASU.

The christening and launch ceremony took place on October 9 at MHI’s Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

The ferry was commissioned by Shinnihonkai Ferry Co., Ltd. and the Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency (JRTT). It will operate on the route between Otaru in Hokkaido and Maizuru in Kyoto Prefecture.

Officials confirmed that the vessel’s outfitting and sea trials will be completed ahead of a handover scheduled for June 2026. At the ceremony, Shinnihonkai Ferry’s president, Yasuo Iritani, christened the vessel HAMANASU, named after a native Japanese shrub rose.

The symbolic rope-cutting was performed by Nozomi Kobayashi, a ship travel ambassador for the Japan Passengerboat Association. This is Mitsubishi Shipbuilding’s tenth ferry built for Shinnihonkai Ferry.

The HAMANASU features advanced energy-saving technologies designed to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. This includes a buttock-flow stern hull, a ducktail structure, and a KATANA BOW.

Its propulsion resistance is reduced through a roll-damping system that combines an anti-rolling tank and fin stabilisers. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding says these innovations will deliver about 5% energy savings compared to conventional ferries.

The launch follows the christening of KEYAKI, the first of two large car ferries ordered by Shinnihonkai Ferry and JRTT, which took place in April 2025, with handover planned for November.

Japan is currently encouraging a shift from road to sea transport to cut CO₂ emissions and address truck driver shortages caused by workstyle reforms. stated the project reflects its commitment to sustainable sea transport, environmental protection, and safe ferry services.

Reference: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

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