10/22/2025
In a significant move for Japan’s renewable energy sector, Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line) has secured a long-term charter agreement for a new, domestically built crew transfer vessel (CTV). The vessel is slated to serve the country’s pioneering offshore wind farm project being developed off the coasts of Oga, Katagami, and Akita, marking a pivotal step in Japan’s transition to sustainable energy and the parallel revitalization of its domestic maritime industry.
Strategic Partnership for National Energy Goals
The agreement between NYK and Oga Katagami Akita Offshore Green Energy represents a crucial development in Japan’s renewable energy landscape. The CTV will service Japan’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm built in open waters, a 315-megawatt project being developed by a consortium comprising Jera Nexbp Japan, J-Power, Tohoku Electric Power, and Itochu Corporation.
The wind farm, which will install 21 turbines across the three coastal areas, is scheduled to commence operations by June 2028. This project falls under Japan’s Marine Renewable Energy Promotion Act, demonstrating the government’s commitment to expanding the nation’s renewable energy capacity and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Vessel Specifications and Domestic Construction
The new crew transfer vessel will be a 28-meter-long, 145-ton vessel constructed entirely within Japan by Kosaba Shipbuilding. The vessel’s design will be based on proven European models operated by Northern Offshore Services (NOS), an NYK-controlled entity, but will be specifically adapted for local construction standards and operational requirements.
This project marks NYK’s return to Kosaba Shipbuilding following their first order for a domestic CTV placed in February 2024, signaling a sustained commitment to strengthening Japan’s domestic shipbuilding capabilities for the renewable energy sector.
Local Employment and Industry Development
The operation of the new CTV will be entrusted to Japan Offshore Support Co. (JOSCO), a joint venture between NYK and Akita Eisen. This arrangement ensures that vessel operations will directly benefit the local economy through the training and hiring of regional crew members for the emerging offshore wind industry.
This approach aligns with broader national objectives to not only develop renewable energy infrastructure but also to create sustainable employment opportunities and build technical expertise within Japan’s maritime regions. The project represents a significant investment in human capital development alongside infrastructure development.
Strengthening Japan’s Renewable Energy Future
The deployment of this domestically built CTV supports multiple strategic national priorities. It directly contributes to Japan’s energy transition goals by enabling the maintenance and operation of the 315 MW offshore wind farm, while simultaneously strengthening the domestic shipping and shipbuilding industries.
The project demonstrates how renewable energy development can generate positive economic ripple effects, creating jobs, preserving shipbuilding expertise, and fostering new technical capabilities within Japan’s industrial base. This integrated approach to renewable energy development—combining international best practices with local manufacturing and workforce development—provides a model for future projects as Japan continues to expand its offshore wind capacity.
Through this agreement, NYK and its partners are helping to build not just a single wind farm, but the foundation for a robust domestic offshore wind industry that will contribute to Japan’s energy security and economic vitality for decades to come.