On July 11, Asuka III, Japan’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel cruise ship owned by NYK Cruises, a subsidiary of Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), was officially named at its home port in Yokohama. This is Japan’s “largest ever” cruise ship and the first to be built under Japanese flag state supervision in 34 years. It will make its maiden voyage on July 20 and will subsequently operate alongside its sister ship, the “Asuka II” (50,444 gross tons).
Three days after its naming ceremony, Asuka III completed LNG bunkering operations at Hakata Port in Japan. The operations were carried out by Japan’s first dual-fuel LNG bunkering vessel, KEYS Azalea. This was the first time KEYS Azalea had bunkered a cruise ship, as it had previously mainly provided services to car carriers and bulk carriers transporting iron ore and coal.
The “Asuka III” was ordered by NYK Cruises from German shipbuilder Meyer Werft in 2021, with construction commencing on September 25, 2023. The vessel is scheduled for launch on January 18, 2025, sea trials on March 18, 2025, and delivery on April 10, 2025. The vessel measures 230.2 meters in length, 29.8 meters in width, with a draft of 6.7 meters, and a gross tonnage of 52,265. It features 385 all-sea-view cabins, accommodating 740 passengers, with a crew complement of approximately 470.
Asuka III set several firsts in the Japanese cruise industry:
The first cruise ship to use LNG, which is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas and other harmful pollutant emissions, especially sulfur dioxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). It can use marine diesel fuel and, if necessary, heavy fuel oil.
The first Japanese vessel of its type equipped with a dynamic positioning (DP) system and POD propulsion system.
The first Japanese cruise ship equipped with a shore power system can shut down its engines and obtain power directly from the land power supply when docked at a port with shore power capabilities, further reducing emissions and environmental impact.
NYK Cruises was established in 1989 and has introduced a series of Asuka-class cruise ships to the Japanese market. The first vessel in the series, the Asuka I, was launched in 1991 and was the first Japanese cruise ship to offer global cruises. The Asuka II entered service in 2006. With the delivery and entry into service of the Asuka III, the company will operate two cruise ships simultaneously for the first time.