VESSEL REVIEW | Yui Line Koshiki – Japan's Koshikishima Shosen welcomes inter-island ferry to fleet

Japanese shipping company Koshikishima Shosen recently placed a new Ro-Pax ferry into service on the route between the city of Ichikikushikino on Kyushu and the nearby Koshikishima Islands.

Yui Line Koshiki (結 Line こしき) was built by Naikai Zosen Corporation. The ferry has a length of 73 metres (240 feet), a beam of 13.2 metres (43 feet), a draught of 3.75 metres (12.3 feet) at full load, a depth of 9.6 metres (31 feet), and a gross tonnage of 1,050.

The hybrid hull shape combines a spherical bow with a catamaran stern to improve propulsion performance and seaworthiness.

Large capacity coupled with stability-enhancing features

The vessel is crewed by 20 personnel and can transport up to 358 passengers plus an assortment of vehicles with loading and unloading via bow and stern ramp doors. A typical vehicle freight loadout may include 19 cars plus five trucks or 41 cars.

Two Daihatsu Diesel 6DEM-28 engines that each produce 2,270 kW (3,040 hp) drive propellers to deliver a service speed of 17.5 knots. In order to reduce rolling while underway, the ferry is equipped with a fin stabiliser in the central part of the hull.

A bow thruster is also fitted to provide enhanced manoeuvrability when navigating in busy port waters.

Improved passenger access

Although the total passenger capacity is around 30 per cent lower than that of Koshikishima Shosen's earlier vessel Ferry New Koshiki, Yui Line Koshiki nonetheless boasts a broader selection of facilities including a children's play area, lounges, and a nursing room for mothers and infants.

The newer ferry also features barrier-free facilities, seats and lifts to ensure improved access for passengers with limited mobility.

Yui Line Koshiki was built in compliance with Japanese Government class II requirements.