NYK Blue Jay Named 2016 Ship of the Year

The 14,000 TEU containership NYK Blue Jay has been named the 2016 Ship of the Year in the Large Cargo Ship category by the Japan Society of Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers (JASNAOE). An awards ceremony was held at the Kaiun Club in Tokyo today.

This is the 27th year that JASNAOE has recognized the most technically advanced, well-designed, and socially conscious vessels built in Japan. NYK Blue Jay, which is operated by NYK, was commended by manufacturers and related organizations for its significant operational energy savings. The vessel’s main engine is equipped with the world’s first dual rating system, which features two power ranges (high and low) that allow the ship to realize optimal fuel consumption. In fact, the significant reduction in fuel consumption when slow-steaming optimizes the vessel’s fuel consumption so that it becomes equivalent to that of larger vessels capable of carrying 20,000 TEUs, the ship’s carbon dioxide emissions also meet the Phase 3 of Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)* requirements. Moreover, NYK Blue Jay employs a hull form that allows for improved cargo-loading efficiency.

This is not the first time for the NYK Group to be honored by JASNAOE. The company’s cruise ship Crystal Harmony, which has since been refurbished and rebranded as Asuka II, was recognized as Ship of the Year in 1990. The two module carriers Yamatai and Yamato were given special awards in 2010, the coal carrier Soyo was selected as Ship of the Year in 2013, and the LNG-fueled tugboat Sakigake was recognized with the Technology Special Award in 2016.

The NYK Group will continue to create new value and seek differentiation through creative solutions, and continue the company’s efforts to ensure environmental impact reduction and economical transportation in cooperation with shipbuilders and partners.

Length Overall: 364 meters

Breadth: 50.6 meters

Molded Depth: 29.5 meters

Summer Load Draft: 15.79 meters

Deadweight Tonnage: 139,335 tons

Gross Tonnage: 144,285 tons

Flag: Panama

* Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)

An indicator for assessment of CO2 emissions per primary unit (ton-mile) based on specifications at the vessel design/construction stage. Calculation of the EEDI is mandatory for newly manufactured vessels, and a certificate indicating the EEDI specific to each vessel will be issued. The regulations will be strengthened in stages in the future, in 2020 (Phase 2) and 2025 (Phase 3).