A coal carrier “SOYO” Oshima shipyard had designed, built and delivered in July, 2012 had the honor to be awarded “Ship of the Year 2012” by the Japan Society of Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers. Soyo is a 90,000-dwt bulk carrier equipped with an air lubrication system using the main engine scavenging air bypass air lubrication method for the first time in the world.

“Ship of the year” is awarded to ships by selection based on the engineering, artistic and social standpoints. This year marked the 23rd anniversary of this award and total eight ships applied as candidates for this award this year.