Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 15, Three companies within Japan’s NYK Group—Asahi Shipping, Hachiuma Steamship, and Mitsubishi Ore Transport—are set to merge to strengthen their position in the shipping industry. The new entity, tentatively named NYK Bulkship Partners, will begin operations in January 2026 with its headquarters in Tokyo. The company will own 22 vessels and manage 91, including those owned by the group and its subsidiaries.

The merger aims to boost efficiency by combining similar operations, enhancing ship management, ownership, and operational capabilities. Asahi Shipping, founded in 1946, Hachiuma Steamship, established in 1925, and Mitsubishi Ore Transport, started in 1959, all specialize in shipping, vessel leasing, and management services.

Separately, on April 10, 2025, NYK Cruises, a subsidiary of NYK, received the Asuka III, Japan’s largest cruise ship to date, from German shipbuilder Meyer Werft. Powered by liquefied natural gas, the vessel is described as highly energy-efficient. Meyer Werft noted: “An important milestone on the way to reducing emissions and carbon intensity.”

In another development, NYK Energy Ocean (NEO), a new NYK subsidiary, began operations in 2025. Based in Tokyo, NEO focuses on managing liquefied petroleum gas carriers, chemical and product tankers, and cargo vessels, expanding NYK’s presence in these sectors.

Additionally, Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers (KNCC), a joint venture between NYK and Norway’s Knutsen Group, achieved a milestone in 2025. The company received approval in principle from ClassNK for the design of liquefied CO2 carriers with elevated pressure cargo tanks and a floating liquefied storage unit. This approval supports efforts to develop innovative solutions for transporting and storing CO2, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Through these initiatives, NYK is enhancing its operational efficiency and diversifying its portfolio. The merger of Asahi Shipping, Hachiuma Steamship, and Mitsubishi Ore Transport will streamline resources, while the launch of Asuka III and NEO’s operations reflect NYK’s commitment to modern, sustainable shipping solutions. KNCC’s design approval further positions NYK as a leader in emerging maritime technologies, contributing to industry advancements and environmental responsibility.