Japan's 'largest-ever' cruise ship, LNG-fueled Asuka III, christened in Yokohama

Japan’s ‘largest cruise ship ever’, the liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ASUKA III, has officially been named at its home port of Yokohama.

According to NYK Cruises, the owner and operator of the newly built vessel, the 52,265 GT Asuka III, considered to be the first passenger ship built under the supervision of the Japanese flag in 34 years, was christened on July 11 at the Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal in Yokohama.

Just three days later, the newbuild was bunkered with liquefied natural gas at the Chuo Wharf in Hakata port. The operation was performed by the KEYS Azalea, Japan’s inaugural dual-fuel LNG bunkering vessel owned and operated by Fukuoka-headquartered KEYS Bunkering West Japan Ltd. (KEYS).

As informed, given that KEYS Azalea has primarily been supplying car carriers and iron ore and coal bulk carriers, the operation marked the vessel’s first-ever bunkering for a cruise ship in the East Asian nation.

Following its maiden voyage scheduled for July 20, Asuka III will join the sister ship, the 50,444 GT Asuka II. This is understood to be the