MEYER WERFT and NYK Cruises today celebrated the traditional keel-laying ceremony for the new cruise ship ASUKA III. With the lowering of the first steel block into building dock I (hall 5), the assembly of the ship's hull has now begun. The component weighs 345 tonnes and is 12,8 metres wide, 24,6 metres long and 7,4 metres high.

"With today's keel laying, we are celebrating the next important milestone in the construction of the ASUKA III. All of us at MEYER are proud to be building this special cruise ship for the Japanese market. The speciality of designing the ship to meet the needs and requirements of Japanese passengers is unique. We are working very closely and passionately with the NYK Cruises team," says Managing Director Jan Meyer.

‘I am delighted to announce the successful completion of the Keel Laying Ceremony. I appreciate the continued collaboration from the MEYER WERFT shipyard team, and I feel confident that with their ongoing support, we will successfully welcome the launch of ASUKA III in 2025.‘‘‘says Hiroyuki Endo, President NYK Cruises.

MEYER WERFT will use numerous solutions customised for the Japanese market for the new cruise ship. These include, for example, the spa areas, which will be specially developed according to Japanese wishes and customs. In addition, the ASUKA III is the first passenger ship to be built under the supervision of the Japanese flag state in around 30 years. The ship is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), one of the cleanest fuels currently available for shipping. In addition to reducing CO2 emissions, this means that emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter can be almost completely eliminated and sulphur oxides completely avoided.

Delivery of the abt. 52,000 GT ship is planned for 2025. With a length of 230,2 metres and a width of 29.8 metres, it will offer space for around 740 passengers.