Japan's Usuki Shipyard recently won newbuilding order for one 1,200-gt ferry from Kume Line.
The Oita-based shipbuilder made another newbuilding contract with Kume after 24 years. The ferry, replacing a vessel in commission, will be delivered in June 2012 with unrevealed pricing.
The newbuilding, with catamaran hull type astern, speeds up by about three knots to 19 knots from Kume's existing ferry.
In July 2010, Usuki inked the first ferry order after global financial crisis, a 999-gt ferry.
Usuki, which had mainly focused on chemical tankers, now targets to win orders from all-around ship types, focusing on bulkers or ferries which ensure stable demand.