FerryShin Nihonkai Ferry announced on 22 June that HAMANASU, which had been due to enter service on the Otaru–Maizuru route on 29 June 2026, will be delayed entering service.
According to the operator, a problem has been discovered during the construction of HAMANASU that will significantly delay delivery of the new ferry.
Shin Nihonkai Ferry said it would postpone the open day scheduled to be held at the Port of Osaka on 27 June, as well as the commencement of service on the Otaru–Maizuru route on 29 June.
For the time being, AKASHIA (16,897 GT, built 2004) will continue to operate on the Otaru–Maizuru route, the operator said.
HAMANASU is a sister ship to KEYAKI (14,157 GT), which entered service in November 2025, and is being built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Shimonoseki shipyard.
