Get ready for an exciting maritime journey! Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has just unveiled a game-changer in the world of car ferries. The KEYAKI, a true marvel of engineering, is set to revolutionize sea travel between Hokkaido and Kyoto.
On November 14, 2025, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of the renowned Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, delivered the KEYAKI, a cutting-edge car ferry, to Shin Nihonkai Ferry Co., Ltd. and the Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency (JRTT). This ferry is not just another vessel; it's a testament to innovation and sustainability.
The KEYAKI boasts an impressive energy-saving hull design, featuring the KATANA BOW and a unique buttock-flow stern with a ducktail. These features, combined with an innovative roll-damping system, reduce propulsion resistance, resulting in a remarkable 5% energy savings compared to traditional vessels. But here's where it gets controversial: some argue that these energy-saving measures might impact the ferry's stability. What do you think?
Step aboard, and you'll be greeted by a spacious interior, including a grand three-story atrium at the entrance, clear-walled elevators, and a forward salon with a two-story atrium. The top deck offers an open-air bath, perfect for enjoying the sea breeze, while a multipurpose room provides a versatile space for various activities. The KEYAKI also offers a range of cabins to cater to different travel needs, ensuring a comfortable journey for all.
And this is the part most people miss: the KEYAKI's commitment to environmental protection. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding aims to promote the active use of sea transport while minimizing its environmental impact. By constructing ferries like the KEYAKI, they strive to provide stable sea transport while maintaining exceptional energy and environmental performance.
The KEYAKI's specifications are equally impressive: a length of 199 meters, a beam of 25.5 meters, and a gross tonnage of 14,157 tons. It can reach a service speed of 28.3 knots and accommodate 286 passengers, along with approximately 150 trucks and 30 passenger cars.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, the parent company, is a global leader in various industries, including energy, infrastructure, machinery, aerospace, and defense. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and deep expertise, MHI Group is dedicated to creating a carbon-neutral world, enhancing the quality of life, and ensuring a safer future.
So, what do you think of the KEYAKI? Is it a step towards a greener future, or does it raise more questions than it answers? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
