Watch How Airplane-Nose Cargo Ships Revolutionized Ship Design

Japanese coastal shipping company Imoto Lines has redefined feeder vessel design by incorporating a distinctive, aircraft-inspired look. Their fleet includes ships with a striking resemblance to large passenger jets, but this unique aesthetic serves a greater purpose beyond mere appearance.

In 2015, the Kyokuyo shipyard in Yamaguchi, Japan, constructed the first Semi-Spherically Shaped-feeder (SSS-feeder) for Imoto Lines. Named Natori, this 600-TEU vessel was one of Japan’s largest feeder ships and had a groundbreaking design in its category. Its hemispherical bow, resembling the nose of an Airbus aircraft, was an industry first—an innovation that won Natori the prestigious title of “Ship of the Year” from the Japan Society of Naval Architects and Oceanographers, alongside several other accolades.

Beyond aesthetics, the rounded bow significantly enhanced aerodynamics. This pioneering design cut air resistance by nearly 50% compared to traditional vessels, leading to considerable fuel savings and a notable decrease in emissions. Regardless of its cargo load, Natori consistently demonstrated a 5% reduction in fuel consumption, making it an environmentally and economically advantageous vessel.

Functionality extended beyond efficiency, as Natori also outperformed conventional container ships in cargo capacity. With the ability to carry 548 TEU—equivalent to approximately 500 containers weighing 20 tons each—it nearly doubled the load capacity of standard feeder vessels.

Given the remarkable success of this model, Imoto Lines expanded its fleet with two additional ships of similar design. In 2018, the Nagara joined the lineup, followed by the even larger S-562 Nogami in 2022, boasting a capacity of 670 TEU.