Hawaiian-Highway Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

In a significant move to bolster its operations in the face of intensifying competition, Japanese shipping giant Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. has announced plans to incorporate 15 new vessels specifically designed for transporting rolling stock by the end of fiscal 2018. This strategic initiative aligns with the company's need to diversify its offerings beyond its traditional focus on daily goods and mineral shipments. On Thursday, at Kudamatsu Port in Yamaguchi Prefecture, train cars manufactured by Hitachi were being loaded onto one of Kawasaki Kisen's vessels. This shipment is part of an impressive contract involving 866 cars destined for the United Kingdom, marking Hitachi's largest rail export project to date. Kawasaki Kisen will take charge of the majority of the maritime transportation for this operation. Since January 2015, Hitachi has been exporting rail cars to the U.K., but logistical challenges arose due to Kudamatsu's shallow waters, which limited access for larger freighters. Consequently, cargo was initially transferred to Kobe Port using smaller barges before being reloaded onto European cargo ships for the transcontinental journey. In response to these operational hurdles, Kawasaki Kisen commenced the construction of an innovative class of car carriers in July 2015. These vessels, requiring less than 10 meters of water, can now dock directly at Kudamatsu, streamlining the loading process. Additionally, the new ships are equipped with movable floors that facilitate the secure transport of rolling stock, enhancing efficiency and capacity. Kawasaki Kisen's proactive approach not only exemplifies its commitment to meeting growing demand in the rail transport sector but also positions the company favorably amidst global shipping challenges.