The newly built large-scale ferry Sunflower Kirishima, operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines’ subsidiary Ferry Sunflower, was launched on September 15.
Following the launching ceremony, the vessel, which has room for 20% more truck compared to its old namesake, departed the Nanko Sunflower Terminal in Osaka Prefecture for the Port of Shibushi, Kagoshima Prefecture.
With a length of 192 meters and a breadth of 27 meters, the new ferry features a gross tonnage of 13,659 tons. It has a capacity to carry over 700 passengers and 121 large trucks.
Together with its sister ferry, the Sunflower Satsuma, which was launched on May 15, the units will enhance their role in promoting a strong modal shift from long-distance transport by trucks to ocean transport by ferries driven by the need to reduce environmental impact.