Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) has unveiled the initial Akane-class landing craft for the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) at its shipyard in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Christened the Akane (MSV-2051), the system is based on the Caimen transport vessel designed by British firm BMT and was built by JMU under a December 2025 contract for four platforms.
Once operational, the ship will sail under the military’s Maritime Transport Group to enable rapid deployment of ground, air, and maritime forces across the nation’s southwestern islands, where port infrastructure is still under development.
Following outfitting and trials, the Akane will be handed over in March 2027 and will deploy to Amami Oshima in Kagoshima Prefecture.
The remaining vessels under the series will follow later that year.
Proving Trust in Cooperation
The industry partners highlighted that the launch represents a rare adoption of an overseas ship design for a Japanese defense asset while reflecting the output of a close international collaboration.
“The launch of the first CAIMEN Japan is a proud moment for everyone involved,” said Graeme Nayler, managing director for Asia Pacific at BMT.
“JMU brings world-class shipbuilding capability and a deep understanding of the JSDF’s requirements; BMT brings a proven design shaped by years of research and development.”
Meanwhile, JMU Director and Managing Officer Eto Atsushi noted that the milestone also demonstrates “not only the strength of our teamwork, but also JMU’s enduring commitment to quality, precision, and craftsmanship, together with the strong partnership we have developed with BMT.”
The Akane-Class System
Tokyo’s Akane mobile landing craft features a 35-meter (115-foot) aluminum tri-bow hull and an 8-meter (26-foot) beam.
It will be equipped with three diesel engines and three waterjets, enabling an output of 7,600 horsepower for a top speed of 18 knots (33 kilometers/21 miles per hour) while transporting personnel and heavy vehicles.
The platform will be operated by a crew of 10 and will be able to accommodate up to 200 warfighters.