Japan launches its first high-speed landing craft

Japan Marine United launched Akane, Japan's first new high-speed landing craft, at its Yokohama shipyard on September 17. The 35-meter, 150-ton aluminum vessel uses BMT's Caimen tri-bow hull form and bow and stern ramps to move personnel, vehicles, and supplies rapidly between islands and austere shore sites. Akane is the first of four craft ordered for Japan's Maritime Transport Group, with outfitting and sea trials to continue before planned delivery in March 2027 and eventual operation from Amami Oshima for regional island support in southwestern Japan.