The Keyaki, measuring approximately 199 meters in length, 25.5 meters in width, and with a gross tonnage of about 14,300 tonnes, is designed to serve a route between Otaru in Hokkaido and Maizuru in Kyoto Prefecture. The ferry is slated for delivery in December following outfitting and sea trials. It incorporates advanced energy-saving features, including a Katana bow and a buttock-flow stern hull with a ducktail to reduce water resistance. An energy-saving roll-damping system, combining an anti-rolling tank and fin stabilizers, further enhances efficiency, achieving at least a 5% reduction in energy consumption compared to previous vessels.
“We are proud to introduce Keyaki, Japan’s first vessel with this innovative energy-saving hull design,” a Mitsubishi Shipbuilding representative stated. “This ferry reflects our commitment to supporting Japan’s shift toward sustainable maritime transport.”
Japan, a leading shipbuilding nation alongside China and South Korea, completed vessels with a combined gross tonnage of approximately nine million in 2024. The country is increasingly focusing on sea transport to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and address truck driver shortages driven by workstyle reforms. This shift has heightened the importance of ferry transport, prompting innovations in eco-friendly vessel designs.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding is prioritizing green technologies to support Japan’s decarbonization goals. The company is developing fuel-efficient ferries and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ships powered by clean energy sources. By the end of fiscal 2028, Mitsubishi expects to deliver at least five RoRo cargo ships for domestic maritime firms. In June 2024, the company secured orders for two methanol-powered RoRo ships from Toyofuji Shipping and Fukuju Shipping, with delivery planned by the end of 2027. In March 2025, Toyofuji Shipping, Miyazaki Sangyo Kaiun, and Nichitoku Kisen commissioned three additional methanol-fueled vessels, set for delivery by the end of 2028.
The launch of Keyaki underscores Mitsubishi Shipbuilding’s role in advancing sustainable maritime solutions. By integrating clean fuels and energy-efficient designs, the company aims to enhance the environmental performance of shipowners and operators, contributing to Japan’s broader efforts to minimize ecological impact while meeting transportation needs.
