Marking a major step toward sustainable cruising, Meyer Werft officially handed over the Asuka III to NYK Cruises on April 10, 2025, following successful sea trials in the North Sea. The state-of-the-art vessel is being hailed as one of the most energy-efficient cruise ships ever built, and is now set to serve the Japanese cruise market from its home port in Yokohama.
Successful Sea Trials and Delivery
Sea trials for Asuka III were conducted on March 18, after the vessel made its way 40 kilometers down the Ems River from Meyer Werft’s shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The trials validated the ship’s technical and nautical performance, paving the way for a timely delivery to NYK Cruises.
Pioneering Energy Efficiency with LNG Propulsion
The Asuka III is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), making it one of the cleanest cruise ships in operation. According to Meyer Werft and NYK Line, this propulsion system significantly reduces:
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Particulate Matter (PM)
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Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
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Sulfur Oxides (SOx)
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Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
These emissions reductions align with global goals to cut carbon intensity in the maritime sector and mark a major milestone for both builder and operator in sustainable shipbuilding.
Advanced Design for Japanese Market
Construction of the vessel began in September 2023 and reached completion with its float-out in January 2025. The ship features:
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Optimized hydrodynamics tailored to its planned routes
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Contactless control systems
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Custom interior elements, many of which will be added in Yokohama, to match the tastes and expectations of the Japanese cruise market
Fleet Expansion for NYK Cruises
With the delivery of Asuka III, NYK Cruises now operates a two-ship fleet, alongside the 241-meter Asuka II, previously the company’s sole vessel. The addition of this LNG-powered ship reflects NYK’s growing investment in cleaner, future-ready cruise operations.
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Source: OFFSHORE ENERGY
