MOL-Sunflower

Three vessels have been contracted from the Innoshima Shipyard for delivery in May 2028, January and May 2029. The 14,250 GRT (Japanese) trio will have a capacity for 200 x 13m trailers and will be the largest RoRos in the MOL Sunflower fleet. They are intended to replace existing tonnage, including the 2003-built MUSASHI MARU and SUNFLOWER HAKATA on the Tokyo–Kyushu route. With an overall length close to 200m by 27.0m beam, they will be equipped with bow and stern quarter ramps. The propulsion system has not been disclosed yet, but it is likely that they will be equipped with an Everllence MAN 9S50ME-C main engine.

Fujitrans

Two combined RoRo car carriers have been ordered from the Setoda yard which will be updated sisterships of the 2019-built IZUMI MARU. To be delivered in October 2028 and May 2029, the 13,100 GRT and 5,620 dwt sisters will have a capacity for 50 x 13m trailers plus 1,460 cars. Designed for the coastal distribution of new vehicles, the 165m long by 27.6m beam ships will have a 21-knot service speed and will be equipped with an Everllence B&W 8S50ME-C main engine of 12,200 kW.

A" Line

As one of the main logistics operators connecting the mainland with Okinawa, A" Line has also ordered a single RoRo at Naikai's Setoda yard which is scheduled for delivery in July 2028. The vessel will be a close sistership of the 190.9m long by 27.0m beam RYUKYU EXPRESS 7. The 13,650 GRT RoRo has a capacity for 187 x 13m trailers plus 202 cars. Traffic to Okinawa has been increasing, requiring additional RoRo tonnage.

Kuribayashi Steamship

As the longest-established RoRo operator in Japan, Kuribayashi has a fleet of six RoRo vessels which are designed for the transport of paper reels, trailers and cars, providing an integrated distribution system from Hokkaido to the mainland. The new order has long been anticipated to replace their 2000-built SHINMEI MARU. The 14,100 GRT 6,713 dwt newbuilding will be delivered in December 2028.

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