HISTORY (Project Cargo Department)
NYK Bulk &Projects Carriers Ltd., the only heavy-cargo shipping carrier in Japan, was originally established in 1912 as Hinode-Kisen. After developing our business as a heavy-cargo shipping carrier, we became a wholly-owned subsidiary of NYK Line in 2001 and assumed responsibility for its MPP business. In 2002, our company name was changed to NYK-Hinode Line, and in 2013 we merged with NYK Global Bulk Corp to become our current organization. Today, we operate all kinds of vessels including MPP vessels, bulk carriers and heavy cargo vessels. As a heavy-cargo transportation carrier with a history exceeding 100 years, we have inherited and honed our marine technical skills for over a century.
1912-1945
Established in 1912, Hinode Kisen Ltd. has built many heavy-lift ships, starting with Yawata Maru, which was delivered in 1935. Afterward, the company continued to build heavy-lift vessels and cemented its position as a carrier dedicated to heavy-cargo transportation, which was unique in the world at the time.
1912
On November 25th, 1912, Hinode Kisen was established with four vessels and operating capital of 500,000 yen.
1922
In 1922, we purchased “SU” series vessels, each featuring a derrick having a 20mt capacity.
1935
In January 1935, Yawata Maru, which came equipped with an innovative “after-engine”(main engine located aft), long hatch and a 35mt heavy derrick, was delivered. A total of 10 such heavy lifters were delivered by 1941.
1945- 1977
Many lives and vessels were lost in World War Ⅱ. From the 1950’s we began building heavy lifters again, one after another. During that time, we established a business infrastructure overseas as well as in Japan.
1945
By the end of the war, we had lost 17 vessels. Only five vessels remained.
1950
In September 1950, Hie Maru was delivered featuring Japan’s first 70mt derrick.
1954
In July 1954, the 11,500 DWT Kasuga Maru was delivered featuring a 120mt derrick.
1960
In 1960, Yamato Maru was delivered featuring two derricks, one having a capacity of 200mt and another with a capacity of 120mt.
1963
In October 1963, the 8,961 DWT Nachi Maru was delivered featuring Japan’s first 250mt derrick.
1975
In October 1975, the 19,542 DWT Katori Maru was delivered featuring the world’s first 350mt derrick that could pivot 360-degrees.
1976
In October 1976, Kasuga Maru was delivered featuring a 450mt derrick.
1978-2000
To meet the needs of super heavy and tall cargo transportation, we built Gulf Bridge, the Japan’s first deck carrier(module cargo vessel). While the marine transportation industry was stuck in recession in the 1980’s, we continued to conduct safe-transportation and advance our skills.
1978
In November 1978, Gulf Bridge, the Japan’s first deck carrier was delivered. The 7,093 DWT vessel had a deck space of 2,550m2 (width 25m, length 102m)
1982
In September 1982, the deck carrier Sea Bridge was delivered. This 11,831 DWT vessel featured a deck space of 3,600m2 (width 30m, length 120m)
1983
In 1983, Shunei Maru and Sumiyoshi Maru were delivered, the large 23,000 DWT heavy lifters having a derrick capacity of 200mt.
1994
In March 1994, the 9,943 DWT Kibi was delivered featuring a crane capacity of 450mt.
In March 1998, Kamo, a sister vessel, was delivered.
2001-2013
After becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of NYK Line, we assumed responsibility for NYK’s MPP business and expanded the fleets. In 2010, Yamato and Yamatai, deck carriers each equipped with an air-lubrication system, were delivered.
2001
In January 2001, the MPP division of Tokyo Senpaku Kaisha(TSK Line) was integrated into our company.
In February, we became a wholly-owned subsidiary of NYK Line. And in October, the Semi-Line Group and Asian Group of NYK Line were integrated into our company.
2002
In July 2002, we changed our company name to NYK-Hinode Line.
2004-2005
In 2004 and 2005, the 20,000 DWT “I” series vessels were delivered, each featuring a crane capacity of 300mt.
2006
In 2006, the 30,000 DWT “KU” series vessels were delivered, each featuring a crane capacity of 200mt.
2010
In 2010, the deck carriers, Yamatai Yamato, were delivered.
2013-
In October 2013, we became NYK Bulk&Projects Carriers Ltd. after merging with NYK Global Bulk Corp. In August 2021, a heavy lifter featuring an 800mt capacity, will be delivered. As the only carrier in Japan operating heavy lifters, we will continue to advance our business.
2021
In August 2021, Katori, the first heavy lifter featuring an 800mt capacity will be delivered.
2022
In January 2022, Kifune, a second heavy lifter having an 800mt capacity, will be delivered.