Press Release

23 October 2025
Development Bank of Japan Inc.
ClassNK
Uyeno Transtech Ltd.

Under Zero-Emission Accelerating Ship Finance (“the Program”), which is jointly operated by Development Bank of Japan Inc. (DBJ) and ClassNK, ClassNK evaluated the hydrogen-fueled demonstration large oil tanker “KIKOU MARU” (IMO 1015595) (“the Ship”), owned by Uyeno Transtech Ltd. (Uyeno Transtech). The evaluation result was the highest rating of “S,” and DBJ provided financing to Uyeno Transtech. Notably, this case marks the first instance of utilizing the Program for a coastal vessel.

In the shipping industry, where environmental regulations are becoming stricter as the industry moves towards decarbonization, ClassNK evaluates ships based on a comprehensive scoring model jointly developed with DBJ from the perspective of “decarbonization, environmentally friendly performance, and innovativeness,” and DBJ provides investment and financing. The program supports initiatives that contribute to the transition to decarbonization from both IR and financial perspectives.

Uyeno Transtech has been involved in the marine transportation of petroleum and petrochemical products since its establishment and has recently focused on achieving zero emissions in the maritime industry through the development of next-generation fuel supply vessels. The Ship is a “hydrogen fuel ready” electric propulsion oil tanker built at the Nagasaki Yard of Fukuoka Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., and delivered in October 2025. In 2026, the Ship is scheduled to conduct one of the world’s first demonstration voyages using hydrogen fuel, as part of a subsidized project under the Nippon Foundation’s “Zero Emission Ships” project.


The following points were highly evaluated in this assessment of the Ship:
(1) As a “hydrogen fuel ready” vessel, development of the Ship involved not only a concept design for the use of hydrogen but also the design and equipping of a hull structure intended to satisfy requirements related to hydrogen fuel tank and compartments for tank installation.
(2) Fuel consumption is optimized through the installation of lithium-ion batteries.

As a result, the Ship received an “S” rating, the highest rank in the Program, recognizing it as a ship with “exceptionally high decarbonization, environmental consideration, and advanced performance,” acknowledging that significant environmental-related investments have been made.

Through the expansion of the Program, DBJ and ClassNK will support shipping and shipbuilding companies’ efforts to contribute to the transition toward decarbonization and work together to accelerate the transition toward decarbonization in the entire maritime industry.

(Ship Particulars)

Ship name	KIKOU MARU (IMO 1015595）
Ship type	Oil tanker
Cargo tank capacity	Approx. 5,000 KL
Shipbuilder	Fukuoka Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Nagasaki Yard

About Uyeno Transtech
Uyeno Transtech, a core maritime transport company of the Uyeno Group (consisting of 37 companies currently and in operation for over 150 years since the original company’s founding in 1869), engages in the transportation, storage, and sales of petroleum and chemical products essential to industry and daily life, as well as solar energy and marine environmental businesses.

Today, Uyeno Transtech is taking on the challenge of realizing zero emissions during a major transition period in the maritime industry toward decarbonization. A symbol of this challenge is the newly launched “KIKOU MARU.” This forward-looking initiative embodies the Uyeno Group’s vision: “Be the energy for leading our industry and the world to a sustainable future.”

Uyeno Transtech will continue to pursue both technological innovation and safe navigation, and by leading the next generation of energy transportation, contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society.

About DBJ
DBJ will actively support our clients’ efforts to realize sustainable management and revitalize regional economies in accordance with our corporate philosophy—“Design the future with financial expertise: Continue to expand financial frontiers; Provide the best solutions for customers and society; Pursue sustainable development for Japan and the world.” Under its Fifth Medium-Term Management Plan (see the post “About the Fifth Medium-Term Management Plan” dated May 20, 2021), DBJ has also been promoting its GRIT Strategy,* aimed at fostering a sustainable society through investments and loans. DBJ will continue to contribute to sustainable societies and regional revitalization.

* GRIT Strategy: “G” is for “Green”—Initiatives to become carbon neutral with established technologies; “R” is for “Resilience & Recovery”—Building of flexible yet strong industrial foundations as well as safe and secure regions and society; “I” is for “Innovation”—Initiatives for innovations that are commercially feasible from a long-term perspective; and “T” is for “Transition/Transformation”—Strategic initiatives to steadily lead transition toward carbon neutrality and other goals, based on current business fundamentals.

About ClassNK
ClassNK is an international classification society dedicated to ensuring maritime safety and protecting the marine environment. A classification society is an organization that establishes rules and carries out surveys of vessels from a neutral, third-party standpoint, registering a “class” that is essential for commercial ships to obtain insurance coverage.

With over 120 years of history and a network of 130 offices in 58 countries, ClassNK is authorized by the flag administrations of more than 100 countries to conduct surveys and issue certificates based on international conventions and regional regulations.

Leveraging its many years of knowledge and experience, ClassNK is expanding its certification area to various management systems, including quality, environment, and occupational safety and health, as well as verification of GHG emissions and certification related to renewable energy facilities.

ClassNK also provides the “ClassNK Transition Support Services,” a comprehensive program to assist the maritime industry in transitioning to decarbonized fuels, supporting clients’ decarbonization efforts from every angle.

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