NEWS 347 : A DOUBLE HONOR FOR TEAM KYOKUYO
Both vessels were built by Kyokuyo Shipyard Corporation in 2025, marking the first double win in our company’s history.
The Ship of the Year award is the most prestigious recognition in Japan’s shipbuilding industry, presented annually to the vessel considered the most outstanding from technical, artistic, and social perspectives among ships built in Japan. Established in 1990, the award now marks its 36th year.
At Kyokuyo Shipyard, we build only five to seven vessels each year, approaching each project with close attention and a strong commitment to originality. For two ships built in the same year to receive awards simultaneously is, for us, a meaningful affirmation that the design philosophy and shipbuilding expertise we have refined over decades continue to provide compelling answers to today’s maritime challenges.
AWARD-WINNING VESSELS
Grand Prize - Ship of the Year 2025 - GENBU
A 696 TEU coastal container vessel built as part of The Nippon Foundation’s MEGURI2040 fully autonomous ship program, aimed at advancing the real-world implementation of fully autonomous vessel operations
- Owner: Sea Globe Co., Ltd.
- Manager: IKOUS Corporation
- Charterer: Suzuyo Marine Co., Ltd.
Evaluation Highlights
- Integration of a wide range of autonomous navigation technologies being developed worldwide, with strong potential for fully autonomous operations
- Contribution toward reducing marine casualties caused by human error
- A cargo vessel design aimed at providing a more comfortable working environment for crew members
Small Cargo Ship Division Award - SOUMEI
A 2,502 GT small RORO steel carrier combining logistics innovation with decarbonization
- Owner: Daisen Logistics Co., Ltd.
- Charterer: Nippon Steel Logistics Co., Ltd.
Evaluation Highlights
- Efficient cargo handling using roll trailers for heavy steel cargo
- Enhanced loading efficiency through the combination of covered trailers for rainy-weather operations and a high-capacity onboard lift
- Adoption of advanced maneuvering and operational support systems
For Kyokuyo Shipyard, this double recognition follows previous Ship of the Year awards including:
CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG – Grand Prize (2010)
NATORI – Small Cargo Ship Division Award (2015)
NOGAMI – Small Cargo Ship Division Award (2022)
KANGEI MARU – Fishing and Research Vessel Division Award (2024)
This latest achievement marks another proud chapter in the history of Team Kyokuyo. As part of our renewed corporate mission — “Boldly embracing innovation, creating new value, and contributing to global development” — we will continue striving to build on the engineering-first spirit that has long defined Kyokuyo, delivering original vessels that respond to our customers’ needs and help shape the future of the maritime industry.
Finally, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the shipowners and all partner companies whose support made these achievements possible. While Kyokuyo Shipyard’s pursuit of new challenges continues, we would first and foremost like to celebrate this achievement with the employees who continue to refine their skills and craftsmanship every day.
[2026/5/27]
