KEYAKI © Yoshiho Ikeda

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding holds christening and launch ceremony of ro-pax KEYAKI in Shimonoseki

FerryMitsubishi Shipbuilding held a christening and launch ceremony for the first of two large ro-paxes ordered by Shin Nihonkai Ferry and Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency. KEYAKI will operate on a route between the city of Otaru in Hokkaido and Maizuru in Kyoto Prefecture, replacing the larger 2004-built HAMANASU.

The ship’s handover is scheduled for December 2025 following completion of outfitting work and sea trials. The KEYAKI is the ninth ferry built by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding for Shin Nihonkai Ferry.

The KEYAKI is the first ferry in Japan to adopt the latest energy-saving hull form, including a KATANA BOW and buttock-flow stern hull with ducktail. Propulsion resistance is suppressed by an energy-saving roll-damping system combining an anti-rolling tank and fin stabilizers. Together these innovations enable a 5% savings in energy compared to earlier vessels.

Main Specifications of the KEYAKI
LOA: Approx. 199 metres
Beam: Approx. 25.5 metres
Gross tonnage: Approx. 14,300
Service speed: Approx. 28.3 knots
Passengers: 286
Capacity: Approx. 150 trucks and 30 passenger cars

Apr 30 2025