Recently, NYK Cruises, a subsidiary of Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), successfully completed Japan’s first LNG bunkering operation for a cruise ship at the Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal in Yokohama Port for its newly delivered vessel, the “Asuka III” – the largest cruise ship in Japan.
The “Asuka III” is Japan’s first LNG-powered luxury cruise ship. The bunkering was conducted using a truck-to-ship transfer method, with four tankers supplying LNG over two days via shore-based facilities. Equipped with a tri-fuel engine capable of using heavy oil, marine gas oil, and LNG, as well as shore power reception facilities, the vessel is designed as an eco-friendly ship focused on reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable cruise operations.
Built by Germany’s Meyer Werft shipyard, construction of the “Asuka III” began in autumn 2023, with the ship launched in late January 2024. It was delivered in mid-April and underwent its first LNG bunkering in Singapore at the end of May.
Yokohama Port has had LNG bunkering capabilities since 2015, when it conducted Japan’s first truck-to-ship LNG refueling for the country’s first LNG-powered tugboat, the “Sakigake.” Notably, the “Sakigake” was converted to run on ammonia fuel in 2024, becoming the world’s first commercial ammonia-fueled tugboat.
The LNG bunkering of the “Asuka III” is part of the Japanese government’s vision to develop Yokohama as a carbon-neutral port, supporting the 2050 zero-emission target. In May 2021, NYK’s subsidiary Ecobunker Shipping signed an agreement with Yokohama City to promote LNG bunkering services. Multiple maritime companies, including NYK and NYK Cruises, are actively participating in this environmental initiative.
NYK Cruises ordered the “Asuka III” from Meyer Werft in 2021, marking the first medium-sized cruise ship order globally following the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 52,000 tons. It features 385 all-sea-view cabins, accommodating 740 passengers and a crew of about 470. The ship is equipped with an engine capable of handling three fuel types—LNG, low-sulfur fuel, and marine gas oil.
Additionally, depending on the port of call, the ship can operate using shore power and will be fitted with a dynamic positioning system to maintain position without anchoring, minimizing damage to seabed vegetation. These technologies are the latest innovations never before used on Japanese cruise ships. The vessel is expected to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, nearly eliminate NOx and particulate matter, and completely prevent SOx emissions.
Similar to NYK Cruises’ previous luxury cruise ship, the “Asuka II,” the “Asuka III” will emphasize premium amenities and high-quality service. All cabins feature balconies with ocean views, eliminating interior cabins, and include the popular open-air baths praised on the “Asuka II.” Maintaining the ultra-low passenger-to-crew ratio of 1:2, the new ship will have a similar crew size of around 470 but will further reduce passenger capacity to about 740, roughly 85% of the “Asuka II.”
The ship seamlessly blends spacious design with traditional Japanese aesthetics. A six-deck gallery café showcases murals by artist Hiroshi Senju, while the Nobles Restaurant on the same level is adorned with original paintings by Reiji Hiramatsu, creating a floating art sanctuary.
During its inaugural season, the cruise will visit over 30 Japanese port cities, including Hakodate, Otaru, Takamatsu, Shingu, Muroran, and Moji. The highlight will be the “Around Japan Cruise” departing from its homeport of Yokohama in early August—a 12-night voyage stopping at iconic ports such as Hakodate, Otaru, Kanazawa, Maizuru, Moji, and Beppu before returning to Yokohama.
