Japanese ferry operator Tokai Kisen has placed a new hydrofoil vessel into service between Tokyo and Oshima island.
Named Seven Island Yui, the 27- by eight-metre vessel was built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and is jointly owned by Tokai Kisen and the Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency (JRTA).
The ferry could transport 241 passengers at speeds of up to 43 knots. This enables it to complete the Tokyo-Oshima route in as little as one hour and 45 minutes one way whereas vessels with traditional propulsion systems would take around six hours to cover the same distance.