Four NYK-Managed Ships Receive Japanese Pilots’ Best Quality Ship 2025 Award

Four vessels managed and operated by NYK Line have been awarded the “Best Quality Ship 2025” by the Japan Federation of Pilots’ Associations.

The ships are the coal carrier Pirika Moshiri Maru, the VLCC Takaoka, the bulk carrier Global Coral, and the passenger ship Asuka III.

This is the highest number of NYK Group-related ships ever selected at the same time for this recognition.

The award was started in 2003 to promote safe ship operations and protect ports and the marine environment.

Each year, a maximum of 10 vessels are selected from those boarded by pilots across Japan’s pilotage districts during September and October.

The selection is based on several safety factors. These include the quality of facilities that help pilots board and leave ships safely, training in Bridge Resource Management, and how well the ship maintains a clear and unified command system on the bridge. All these points are checked before final selection.

Ship details:

The Pirika Moshiri Maru is a coal carrier. It is 234.99 metres long, 43.00 metres wide, and has a gross tonnage of 52,158 tons. It is managed by NYK Bulkship Partners Co., Ltd. and operated by NYK.

The Takaoka is a very large crude oil carrier (VLCC). It is 333 metres long, 60 metres wide, and has a gross tonnage of 158,218 tons. It is managed by NYK Shipmanagement Pte. Ltd. and operated by Nippon Global Tanker Co., Ltd.

The Global Coral is a bulk carrier. It is 182.99 metres long, 30.40 metres wide, and has a gross tonnage of 27,460 tons. It is managed by MMS Co., Ltd. and operated by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers Ltd.

The Asuka III is a passenger ship. It is 230 metres long, 29.80 metres wide, and has a gross tonnage of 52,265 tons. It is managed and operated by NYK Cruises Co., Ltd.

Bridge Resource Management is a safety system based on aviation cockpit methods developed by NASA. It helps improve teamwork, communication, and decision-making on the ship’s bridge for safer navigation.

The NYK Group said it will continue working with pilots and other partners to improve safety and ship quality.

The award shows the importance of safe navigation for large ships like tankers, bulk carriers, and passenger ships that operate in busy sea routes and ports.

Reference: NYK