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A New Addition to Japan’s Modern Bulker Fleet
At its Shin Kasado Dockyard, Imabari Shipbuilding handed over the NORSE CONTINUATION on October 3, 2025 — a 64,000 DWT Handymax-class bulk carrier built under the latest Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers. It’s a vessel made for flexibility, ready to carry everything from grain and coal to steel coils and cement, reflecting how today’s shipping must adapt to whatever the global market demands.
Fitted with four deck cranes and wide folding hatch covers, the ship is tailored for speed and efficiency at ports — a practical design choice that will likely appeal to operators facing tight turnaround times. At sea, the vessel reaches a steady service speed of about 14 knots while maintaining strong fuel performance.
Building for the Future, One Hull at a Time
There’s a growing sense that each new delivery from Imabari is more than a commercial transaction — it’s a statement of intent. The NORSE CONTINUATION comes fully compliant with IMO and MARPOL regulations, fitted with a ballast water treatment system and prepared for safe recycling under the Ship Recycling Convention. It even meets the Phase 3 carbon emission standards, a milestone that isn’t mandatory for newbuilds until later in the decade.
Energy-saving devices, a high-efficiency propeller, and low-friction hull coatings all contribute to a vessel that’s cleaner, quieter, and cheaper to run. The shipping industry might still be debating how to reach net zero, but Imabari seems determined to make sure its fleet is already ahead of that curve.
Imabari’s Expanding Footprint
Japan’s largest shipbuilder has been quietly but decisively expanding its influence. In June 2025, Imabari increased its stake in Japan Marine United (JMU) to 60%, bringing one of Japan’s most historic shipyards firmly under its wing. The move strengthens Japan’s hand in a global shipbuilding race still dominated by South Korea and China.
With several other 64,000 DWT bulkers and next-generation container ships delivered this year, Imabari’s production rhythm remains strong. Each new ship reflects a pattern: operational efficiency paired with environmental responsibility — a combination that resonates with charterers, financiers, and regulators alike.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Delivery Date | October 3, 2025 |
| Class | Handymax-class bulk carrier |
| Cargo Capacity | 64,000 DWT |
| Environmental Compliance | IMO, MARPOL, Ship Recycling Convention, Phase 3 carbon standards |
| Propulsion | Energy-saving devices, high-efficiency propeller, low-friction paint |
| Speed | ~14 knots |
| Class Society | NK |
| Flag | Panama |
A Broader Signal for Global Shipping
When a ship like the NORSE CONTINUATION joins the world fleet, it’s more than another name on a delivery list. It’s part of a global shift — one where builders and owners are balancing economics with environmental accountability. The question isn’t just how fast or how large ships can be built anymore, but how sustainably.
For shipyards like Imabari, the answer lies in evolution rather than revolution: one hull, one propulsion upgrade, one cleaner coating at a time. In a world tightening its carbon rules and watching fuel prices swing, these design choices might prove the most valuable cargo of all.
