Karl WP Beyer February 27, 2025 – In the second half of January 2025, the ASUKA III, the latest new build from MEYER Werft, left construction dock I to be completed at the outfitting quay. The medium-sized cruise ship is expected to start its Ems passage on Sunday, March 2nd.
The ASUKA III is the second cruise ship of NYK Cruises, a subsidiary of a global Japanese shipping company. The MEYER Werft built a cruise ship for the Nippon Yusen Kaisha group of companies for the first time. The new ship includes numerous solutions tailored to the Japanese market. This category includes, for example, the spa areas, which were specially developed according to Japanese wishes and habits. The ASUKA III is the first passenger ship in around 30 years to be built under the supervision of the Japanese flag state.
The ASUKA III has a gross tonnage of around 52.200. It is 230 meters long and 29,80 meters wide. The passenger capacity is given as around 744. The ship runs on low-emission LNG fuel. Delivery is scheduled for spring 2025.
ASUKA III – Photo: © MEYER Werft
The Ems transfer of the ship is carried out by the Emden Pilots' Association. The Ems journey towards the North Sea is carried out backwards and with the support of two tugs. This type of transfer has proven to be successful due to its better maneuverability.
The following schedule applies for the Ems passage next Sunday, which may change at short notice depending on weather and tide conditions:
approx. 05.30 am passing the dock lock (Papenburg)
approx. 09:00am passing the Friesenbrücke (Weener)
approx. 10:40pm passing the Jann-Berghaus-Bridge (Leer)
approx. 11:50am arrival on the Ems Barrage (Gandersum)
approx. 14:30am passing the Ems Barrage
approx. 16:30am passing Emden