Japan’s First Hydrogen-Fueled Dining Cruise Ship ‘Amane’ Launched In Nagasaki

On September 11, NYK held a naming and launch ceremony for its new cruise ship, Amane, at Maehata Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture.

The ceremony was attended by numerous stakeholders, including Masamichi Katayama, founder and principal of Wonderwall®, who served as the vessel’s total designer, and Shimpei Terada, president of Tysons & Company, who designed the onboard guest experience.

At the event, NYK Senior Managing Executive Officer Takuji Banno officially named the vessel Amane (海音). The name combines the kanji characters 海 (“sea”) and 音 (“sound”), evoking the image of a serene voyage accompanied by the soothing sounds of the sea. It also reflects NYK’s aspiration for both the vessel — and the vision it represents — to resonate broadly with people.

During the ceremony, Katayama performed the ceremonial rope-cutting, and Amane was successfully launched.

Amane is being built as the successor to Lady Crystal, a restaurant ship currently operating in Tokyo Bay. Following interior outfitting and related work, Amane is scheduled for delivery in March 2027 and is expected to enter service in May 2027.

Press Release