Press release: "NYK Names New Cruise Ship “Amane” (海音), Set to Enter Service in Spring 2027"

Carrying Forward NYK’s Passenger-Ship Heritage, Amane Delivers Refined Cruise Experiences Shaped by Shimpei Terada, President of Tysons & Company, and Masamichi Katayama, Founder and Principal of Wonderwall®

NYK Line (hereinafter "NYK") will launch its new cruise ship, Amane (the "Vessel"), in spring 2027 as the successor to the dining ship Lady Crystal, which has been beloved by guests cruising Tokyo Bay for the past 36 years and is currently operated by The Cruise Club Tokyo, an NYK Group company.

Background and NYK's Vision

Since its founding in 1885, NYK has supported people's lives and industries through maritime transportation for approximately 140 years under the Group corporate philosophy "Bringing value to life." Today, while shipping remains its core business, NYK has expanded into a comprehensive global logistics company connecting people, businesses, and communities around the world.

The new cruise ship Amane is positioned as a platform for communicating the values and new initiatives of the NYK Group.

The decision to build the Vessel was driven by NYK's desire to provide guests with the opportunity to directly experience the Group's various initiatives through a refined cruise experience, including the advancement of environmental technologies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and contributions to regional revitalization through the use of domestically sourced ingredients.

Set against the unique backdrop of Tokyo Bay, Amane is designed to offer guests an immersive experience of the NYK Group's values and future vision through the Vessel’s cuisine, design, and hospitality.

Origin of the Name "Amane" (海音)

The name "Amane" expresses NYK's aspiration that both the Vessel and its vision will reach people far and wide. The two kanji characters in the name — 海 ("sea") and 音 ("sound") — evoke the image of a peaceful voyage accompanied by the soothing sounds of the sea.

The brand logo, which embodies these concepts, was designed by Naomi Hirabayashi.

Environmental Technologies

Amane is a hybrid electric propulsion vessel equipped with an electric motor propulsion system. Compared with conventional vessels, it significantly reduces vibration, noise, and fuel-related odors, creating a quieter and more comfortable onboard environment.

The Vessel will also be equipped with the first hydrogen fuel cell system to be adopted by the NYK Group. Through an accessible cruise experience in Tokyo Bay, guests will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the potential of next-generation energy and NYK's initiatives toward the decarbonization of the maritime industry.

Personalized Hospitality and a Refined Culinary Experience Showcasing Japan's Seasonal Ingredients

Amane is designed to provide attentive, personalized service tailored to each guest. With a seating capacity of approximately 90 guests, it offers a comfortable and relaxing environment where each guest can enjoy the cruise in their own way.

A dedicated butler service will be available for guests using private rooms, while attentive hospitality will be extended to all guests throughout the journey.

Dining on board will carry forward the tradition of French cuisine once served aboard NYK passenger ships. Guests will enjoy carefully crafted French course meals created by Kenji Hayama, executive chef of Lady Crystal, featuring seasonal ingredients sourced from across Japan and celebrating the unique flavors of each region throughout the year.

Partners Leading the Project

Shimpei Terada, president of Tysons & Company, has been involved in the project since its inception as a project consultant. Drawing on the company's extensive expertise in creating distinctive hospitality venues, he has overseen the design of an integrated guest experience extending seamlessly from the shoreside lounge to the onboard environment.

The Vessel's total design has been created by Masamichi Katayama, founder and principal of Wonderwall®. Based on the concept of "Tokyo Bay as a Garden," the design reimagines Tokyo Bay as a vast garden, with the Vessel serving as a floating residence upon its waters. Inspired by NYK's history and the Japanese philosophy of blending the Japanese spirit with Western innovation, the design incorporates the surrounding seascape and close connection to the water throughout the space, creating an experience unique to Amane.

Through Amane, NYK will continue to co-create value for the future and deliver a next-generation cruise experience that inspires guests while contributing to society.

Overview of Amane

Vessel Name: Amane (海音)
Scheduled Service Entry: Around May 2027
Length Overall: Approx. 48.0 m
Beam: Approx. 9.5 m
Draft: Approx. 2.1 m
Gross Tonnage: Approx. 480 tons
Builder: Maehata Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Sasebo, Nagasaki
Project Consulting: Shimpei Terada, President, Tysons & Company
Total Vessel Design: Masamichi Katayama, Founder and Principal, Wonderwall®
Brand Logo Design: Naomi Hirabayashi

Design Renderings of Amane