Japan’s Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) signed a deal with Maehata Shipbuilding Corporation for the construction of a new restaurant ship on September 30. NYK is considering of using hydrogen fuel to reduce its net-zero emissions goal.
The ship is planned to be finished in 2027 and will be operated by Cruise Club Tokyo Inc., an NYK Group company, as the successor to the Lady Crystal restaurant ship currently in operation.
With a length of approximately 48.0 m and a gross tonnage of around 480 tons, the new restaurant ship will be equipped with batteries for electric propulsion, in addition to diesel engines used on most ships.
NYK is also thinking about using hydrogen fuel as this would help the ship achieve net-zero emissions as a hybrid electric propulsion ship.
To make the experience better for customers, the ship will be designed to reduce vibrations, noise, and the fuel-oil odor.
As it is reported, the company will also use seasonal ingredients from Akita and Hokkaido prefectures, with which NYK has concluded comprehensive cooperation agreements, to offer its customers the opportunity to enjoy the four seasons of Japan and contribute to the regional development of those areas.
In the 139th anniversary of NYK’s founding on October 2 the president of the company Takaya Soga said that although the number of vessels in the company’s fleet is still limited, NYK anticipates that the fuel transition it has undertaken ahead of other shipping companies will work to its advantage under the regulations.
