Tokai Kisen Co. will put both a new large passenger ship and a high-speed jet vessel into service on a route connecting Takeshiba Pier in Minato Ward and the Izu Islands, in Tokyo, in June and July.
Both the passenger ship Salvia Maru and the jet vessel Seven Islands Yui are wheelchair accessible and barrier free.
"I hope passengers enjoy a more convenient and comfortable trip to the islands," a company official said.
Inheriting its name from the current Salvia Maru, the 118-meter-long new Salvia Maru weighs roughly 6,200 tons and has a seating capacity of 1,343.
The floors of the cabins, restaurants and the top deck are covered with rubber chips so that people can comfortably lie down and enjoy the night sky.
Operations will begin on June 25, connecting Izu-Oshima, Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima and Kozushima islands from Takeshiba Pier on a route spanning about 10 to 12 hours. The ship will also be operated as a pleasure boat for enjoying the cool summer evenings in Tokyo Bay starting from July. The current Salvia Maru will be retired.
The 27-meter-long Seven Islands Yui weighs 175 tons and has a seating capacity of 241, with 10 of those seats being wheelchair accessible.
Its service will begin on July 13, connecting Takeshiba Pier to Kozushima island via Oshima island, among others, with the shortest route taking three hours.
Both are painted an indigo called "Tokyo island blue" that can be seen on the ocean surrounding the island. Tickets for the first day of Salvia Maru and Seven Islands Yui services will be available from April 25 and May 13 respectively at the company's customer center.
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