Hosei Kaiun, based in Minato Ward, Tokyo, which owns and operates coastal vessels and MPP (multi-purpose vessels), has announced plans to expand its fleet. As Ukraine prepares for the reconstruction phase amidst ongoing conflict with Russia, the transportation of materials is underway, and European dry bulk operators are closely watching this market. Hosei Kaiun anticipates increased demand for MPP vessels capable of transporting construction equipment and general cargo and has ordered four new vessels. Two of these vessels are already under a charter contract with Denmark-based Ultrabulk, a leading tramp shipping company.
(Text by Hirofumi Yamamoto)
Photo courtesy = Hosei Kaiun, Hirofumi Yamamoto
“We plan to further strengthen our global operations in MPP vessels,” expressed Hosei Kaiun President Hiroyuki Takahashi with determination.
On the 22nd, Hosei Kaiun and Toei Kisen, a group company, held their first “Coastal & MPP Vessel Market Seminar” at their Tokyo headquarters. The seminar brought together Tokyo-based operators, financial institutions, insurance companies, trading companies, and brokers.
■Compliance with NOx Tier 3 Standards
MPP vessels are multi-purpose vessels designed to carry a wide range of cargo, including general goods, coils, large structures, and heavy equipment on deck. Hosei Kaiun currently operates three 17,000 DWT (17-type) MPP vessels and has now placed an order for two additional NOx (nitrogen oxide) Tier 3 compliant 17-type vessels with HIGAKI Shipbuilding.
These new vessels, scheduled for completion in 2026, are under a time-charter contract with Ultrabulk, headquartered in Denmark.
In addition, Hosei Kaiun has purchased five second-hand 13-type coastal vessels and ordered two new 13-type vessels. The current fleet consists of ten 13-type and 17-type vessels, with four more on order.
During the seminar, President Takahashi explained the current state and future outlook of the coastal and MPP vessel markets. There are limited orders for twin-decker vessels in the 10,000 to 20,000 DWT range, and few shipyards are capable of constructing them.
In Japan, there are a total of 151 vessels, including 135vessels ＝12- and 14-type and 16vessels＝ 17-type, operating in the domestic market. Globally, 250 MPP vessels are available for service, but only three to four shipyards in Japan can construct coastal and MPP vessels.
European shipping companies like Ultrabulk and Norden expect a rapid increase in MPP vessel demand in response to Ukraine’s reconstruction needs.
Due to the conflict with Russia, major ports in Ukraine are limited in functionality, making entry of large vessels challenging. As a result, smaller MPP vessels equipped with cranes play a crucial role in cargo handling.
■High Valuation of Japanese-built Vessels
The coastal and MPP vessel markets, which had been stagnant since 2022, have shown signs of recovery in 2024. The annual charter rate for 17-type vessels exceeds profitability, at $16,350 per day. While Chinese shipyards have entered the construction of coastal and MPP vessels, “Many Chinese yards import Japanese cranes and engines for their construction. They have limited experience with such vessels compared to larger ships, and after 10 years, Japanese-built MPP vessels tend to have higher resale value,” noted President Takahashi.
■Trust with Financial Institutions
During the seminar, Takayuki Matsui, an attorney from MAX LAW OFFICE, shared his insights: “Having observed the shipping industry downturns since the 1980s, shipowners who established strong trust with financial institutions were able to weather downturns. Those who lacked this relationship faced increased operational risk. Building trust is paramount.”
Hosei Kaiun Chairman Masamori Shibuta, also the president of Shibuta Kaiun—a company handling tug operations, harbor towing, and maritime salvage—joined the event, introducing President Takahashi. “His dream was to become a shipowner. After graduating from a maritime university in China, he persevered in Japan to realize his dream. I hope he continues to excel as a shipowner and operator of coastal and MPP vessels,” he encouraged.
〆ホーセイ海運、MPP船4隻発注。ウクライナ復興需要、欧州船社が関心
近海船やMPP（マルチパーパスベッセル、多目的貨物船）を保有・運航するホーセイ海運（Hosei Kaiun、本社・東京都港区）が、船隊を拡充する方針を明らかにした。ロシアとの紛争が続くウクライナでは、復興需要に向けた物資輸送の準備が進められており、欧州のドライバルク船社も同市場を注視している。ホーセイ海運は、建設機械や一般貨物を輸送できるMPP船の需要が高まると判断、新造船4隻を発注した。このうち2隻については、デンマーク海運の不定期船大手ウルトラバルクと定期用船契約を締結した。
（Text by Hirofumi Yamamoto）
Photo courtesy = Hosei Kaiun, Hirofumi Yamamoto
「MPP船の世界配船事業は今後さらに強化していく」と、ホーセイ海運の高橋広行（Hiroyuki Takahashi）社長は意欲を示した。
ホーセイ海運・東栄汽船(Toei Kisen)のグループ2社は、22日に東京都港区の本社で第1回「近海&MPP船マーケットセミナー」を開催。当日は取引のある在京のオペレーター（運航船社）、金融機関、保険会社、商社、ブローカー各社が集まった。
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