Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Tachibana-Maru

On June 4, 2014, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) proudly handed over the 'Tachibana-Maru,' an advanced cargo-passenger vessel, to Tokai Kisen Co., Ltd. at its Shimonoseki Shipyard and Machinery Works. This state-of-the-art ship is classified as a 'super eco-ship', equipped with a high-efficiency propulsion system that drastically reduces energy consumption while minimizing environmental impacts and optimizing passenger comfort and safety. The vessel sports a striking new color palette of yellow ocher and olive green, uniquely designed by celebrated Japanese illustrator Ryohei Yanagihara, who serves as an honorary captain at Tokai Kisen. Stretching 118.0 meters overall (LOA), the ship has a beam of 17.0 meters, a height of 8.95 meters, and a draft of 5.40 meters. With a gross tonnage of 5,681 and a maximum cruising speed of 19.0 knots per hour (approximately 35.2 km/h), the 'Tachibana-Maru' is set to enhance maritime travel. The construction process began in March 2013, and it was launched later that November. The ship is scheduled to commence operations on the vital route connecting Tokyo and the Izu Islands as of June 27, 2014. Its propulsion system features an innovative tandem-hybrid contra-rotating propeller (CRP) technology developed by MHI. This system consists of single-shaft propulsion propellers powered by a low-speed marine diesel engine and electric-drive azimuth propulsion propellers, allowing versatility in directing propulsion power. Compared to traditional twin-shaft systems, the CRP setup significantly reduces water resistance by minimizing the need for additional appendages such as skegs, shaft brackets, and rudders. The result is a remarkable 15.6% improvement in fuel efficiency over the 'Salvia-Maru', another MHI-built cargo-passenger ship currently in service with Tokai Kisen.