Meyer Werft Floats Out Japan’s First Cruise Ship Built After Over 3 Decades

ASUKA III, the newest cruise ship being built at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, left the covered building dock I (Hall 5), on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

The manoeuvre began at around 10:00 a.m., the ship was moved to the fitting-out pier in the shipyard harbour. Once at the pier, further work will be carried out on the ship, including the installation of its funnel.

ASUKA III is being built for NYK Cruises, a Japanese company. The cruise ship is being designed and outfitted to meet the specific needs of the Japanese market.

One of the special features of the ship is a spa area that includes a Japanese-style open-air bath. ASUKA III is also the first passenger ship to be built under the supervision of Japan’s flag state in almost 30 years.

The ship has a gross tonnage of 52,250 GT and is 230 meters (755 feet) long and 29.8 meters (98 feet) wide. It will be able to accommodate about 740 passengers and 470 crew members. ASUKA III is powered by LNG, a more eco-friendly fuel.

The construction of ASUKA III began in 2023, with steel cutting starting in September. The first block of the ship, weighing 345 tons and measuring 24.6 meters (80 feet) long, was placed in the dry dock in December 2023.

The ship is expected to be delivered to NYK Cruises in 2025, with a delivery cruise planned from Germany to Japan.

The ship’s design includes several elements tailored to the Japanese market. The ship also features luxury suites, varied dining options, and entertainment facilities.

ASUKA III will operate longer cruises, including a world cruise, and will be home-ported in Yokohama, Japan starting in 2025.

On January 18, ASUKA III was floated out of the building dock. The ship was paused to allow the installation of its funnel, which needs clearance outside the hull because of the ship’s height.

Once the funnel is in place, the ship will be ready for work at the outfitting pier.

After leaving the shipyard, ASUKA III will undergo deep-sea trials in the North Sea to ensure it meets all technical requirements. These trials will take place after the ship completes the conveyance through the Ems River, which is scheduled for early March 2025.

The exact date of the conveyance could change depending on weather conditions and other factors.

The delivery of the ship is set for the summer of 2025. The ship will then start offering cruises in East Asia and the Far East, with a special focus on long voyages.

It will be the flagship of NYK Cruises’ expanded services, which include shorter cruises operated by the older ASUKA II, also based in Yokohama.

The ship is the first new cruise ship ordered after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), one of the largest shipping companies in the world headquartered in Japan, is also expanding its operations. MOL has launched a new luxury cruise brand, Mitsui Ocean Cruises, which will offer international cruises.

The company also operates the Nippon Maru, a smaller cruise ship.

Reference: Meyer Werft

Source: Maritime Shipping News