VESSEL REVIEW | Reimei Maru – Ro-Pax to serve Uwajima Unyu’s Shikoku-Kyushu route

Japanese operator Uwajima Unyu Ferries has begun deploying its newest Ro-Pax vessel on the 86-kilometre route between the cities of Yawatahama and Beppu, thus connecting the main islands of Shikoku and Kyushu.

Reimei Maru was built to Japanese Government rules by Naikai Zosen Corporation for co-owners Uwajima Unyu and Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency (JRTT). The new ferry has a length of 121.4 metres, a beam of 16 metres, a gross tonnage of 2,718, a crew complement of 14, and capacity for 586 passengers and 66 vehicles, which typically consist of 38 eight-tonne lorries and 28 cars.

Two Daihatsu 6DKM-36e diesel engines that each produce 3,310 kW drive conventional propellers to deliver a speed of 20 knots. The propulsion arrangement also includes two bow thrusters and two Schilling rudders that provide added manoeuvrability during low-speed sailings.

The vessel's hull combines a catamaran-type stern with a bulbous bow to ensure improved seakeeping. Fin stabilisers installed amidships reduce rolling while the vessel is underway.

The onboard facilities include first-class staterooms, an owner's cabin, economy spaces with reclining seats and folding tray tables, a room for passengers traveling with pets, an open-air upper observation deck with patio tables and chairs, a snack bar, a game room, and a lounge. The floors in some of the passenger areas are covered with tatami mats where people can lie down during long voyages.

Passenger access to the different decks is via various stairways and a lift on the starboard side.

The newbuild replaces the aging ferry Ehime, which has since been sold to another local owner. Among other things, Reimei Maru is longer by five metres, allowing it to transport three more lorries and three more cars compared to the older ferry, though the two vessels share a similar general appearance with loading and unloading of vehicles being carried out via ramps at the bow and the stern.

Reimei Maru was delivered to Uwajima Unyu in June 2022. It has since been sailing on daily trips between Yawatahama and Beppu via the Seto Inland Sea.

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