Japanese shipbuilder Naikai Zosen Corporation launched a new feeder car carrier that will be operated as part of Mazda's vehicle logistics network.
Toyo Maru No 8 is being built for local shipowner Taono Kaiun. She will transport new vehicles from Mazda's Hiroshima base following her delivery in March 2027.
The completed vessel will have an LOA of approximately 124.3 metres, a beam of 21.2 metres, a depth of 16.85 metres, and a full load draught of 6.2 metres. Its gross tonnage is approximately 5,400.
The carrier can load up to 650 passenger cars or 583 cars together with 30 medium-sized trucks. Naikai Zosen said the interdeck height near the vehicle entrance was increased to enable the ship to carry trucks as well as cars.
Up to 30 trailers can be stowed on the main deck.
Vehicles board via a shore ramp on the port aft quarter. They then drive along internal ramps to their assigned holds.
Propulsion is provided by a Makita-Mitsui-Everllence B&W 6S40ME-C9.5 main engine with a maximum continuous output of 6,720 kW. The engine can deliver a speed of approximately 18 knots.
A Schilling rudder and bow and stern thrusters will assist with berthing and unberthing. An anti-roll tank is also fitted.
Mazda Logistics' existing Hiroshima–Chiba service is operated by Toyo Maru No 2 and Toyo Maru No 3. The latter is a 125-metre, 630-car carrier that Naikai Zosen completed in 2016.
