On November 14, Keihin Dock Co. Ltd. (“Keihin Dock,” headquarters: Yokohama), an NYK Group company, welcomed Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka of the Republic of Fiji and a delegation of 10 government officials to its Koyasu Works in Yokohama for a site visit.

During the approximately one-hour tour, Keihin Dock introduced its environmental technologies for next-generation fuel vessels and discussed the NYK Group’s longstanding relationship with Fiji. The visitors showed significant interest in the company’s accomplishments, particularly its successful construction of Sakigake — the world’s first commercial-use ammonia-fueled tugboat — and decarbonization initiatives in the shipping industry.

Situated in the center of the South Pacific, Fiji is an island nation where maritime and shipbuilding activities play an important role in its economic development. As part of the prime minister’s visit to Japan, this trip aimed to observe firsthand Japan’s shipbuilding technologies and facilities.

The NYK Group has maintained regular liner services to Fiji since entering the South Pacific trade in 1981, remaining operational even throughout the pandemic. Currently, only two shipping companies — including the NYK Group (via NYK and its wholly owned subsidiary NYK Bulk & Project Carriers Ltd.*) — directly serve Fiji’s transport demands for vehicles, containers, and conventional cargo from the Far East region. In 2021, the Group also supported Fiji’s public infrastructure by transporting patrol boats from Nagoya port, contributing to the country’s maritime industry and social development.

As the NYK Group’s sole shipbuilding company, Keihin Dock has a long-standing reputation for constructing and repairing various types of vessels for domestic and international operators, backed by its strong commitment to technical expertise and stringent safety protocols. The prime minister’s visit was driven by a personal request to observe the company’s work as a potential benchmark for advancing Fiji’s maritime industry.

The NYK Group remains dedicated to contributing to the sustainable growth of the global maritime sector through international collaboration.

Established in 1968 and situated in Tokyo Bay with facilities in Koyasu (Yokohama) and Oppama (Yokosuka), Keihin Dock is the only shipyard in the NYK Group. The company specializes in building and repairing small- and medium-sized vessels, advancing eco-friendly practices, and supporting research and development for next-generation fuel ships within the NYK Group. Notable achievements include the following:

2013: Built Tsubasa, Japan’s first hybrid-powered tugboat
2015: Built the world’s first LNG-fueled tugboat, Sakigake
2024: Converted Sakigake into an ammonia-fueled vessel, making it the world’s first ammonia-fueled tug in commercial service
2025: Constructing “e-Crea,” Japan’s first fully battery-driven work vessel
Currently building the first domestically produced electric propulsion tugboat equipped with a locally manufactured motor drive system
Website: https://www.keihindock.co.jp/ (Japanese only)

* NYK Bulk & Project Carriers Ltd.
A wholly owned subsidiary of NYK, primarily responsible for ocean transport of plant and module cargo, heavy lift, steel materials, and bulk cargo.
Head Office: Tokyo
Website: https://nbpc.co.jp/en/