NS United Naiko Kaiun (President: Kazushi Fukuda) launched the new 749-ton general cargo ship "Yosakoi" on March 1st. The ship is owned by Kuniki Shosen and built by Yamanaka Shipbuilding (Sales Representative: Shigematsu).

The ship will transport limestone from Kochi to Nippon Steel's Kansai Works.

Features include increased payload, reduced fuel costs, and crew work style reforms.

Yamanaka Shipbuilding's newly designed 749-ton cargo ship is based on the concept of Japan's largest bulk carrier, boasting a 300-ton increase in payload compared to the vessel it replaces.

From 2,100 to 2,400 tons (with fuel and freshwater adjustments).

This ship will achieve a higher transport volume with 11 voyages per month, down from 12 (a reduction of one month's worth). Yamanaka Shipbuilding's unique gill-shaped vessel will also be adopted to reduce fuel costs.

A real challenge for operators. The introduction of this ship is likely to attract attention from the industry, as the company is boldly taking on the challenge of safe and stable operation while also taking creative measures to address the issue of crew shortages and extended schedules due to work hour management through work style reforms for seafarers, and environmental friendliness.

Regarding the introduction of the new 749 gross ton general cargo ship "Yosakoi," Kuniki Shosen President Kiichi Nabeshima commented, "We have now entered an era of free construction, and restrictions on cargo ships, such as ship type and cargo capacity, have been lifted. New ships must be considered strategically, together with shippers, operators, and shipyards, so that we can respond to changes and competition in the business environment over the medium to long term."

The main specifications of the state-of-the-art ship "Yosakoi," which is expected to play an active role in the future as the core fleet of NS United Coastal Shipping's Raw Materials & Resources Team, are as follows:
◇Gross Tonnage = 749 tons
◇Deadweight Tonnage = 2,528 tons
◇Length = 75.00 m
◇Width = 13.20 m
◇Depth = 8.23 m
◇Full Load Draft = 4.832 m
◇Main Engine = Hanshin LA32G, 1471 kW
◇Service Speed = Approximately 11.5-12.0 knots