Niigata is indeed an old and established company. It was founded in 1885 under the name of Niigata Works, as a machine shop for Nippon Oil. In 1905 it established its first shipyard in Niigata, building the first vessel, a 191 gross tons 'Nipponkai Maru', in 1906. In 1910 it separated from Nippon Oil, being incorporated as Niigata Engineering Company, and establishing the ship repair facility in Niigata Dock.
In 1964 it developed the first electrical propulsion in a fishing vessel, a deep sea trawler.
In 1965 the company developed an offshore stern and shelter deck trawler, a progression from side trawling, and in 1968 it developed an all weather tuna fishing vessel with a bulbous bow, a notabIe achievement at that time!
The yard has continued turning out its renowned vessels for a legion of satisfied owners since, achieving its 1,000th newly built vessel in 1988.
The company has built a fine reputation in the design and construction of fishing vessels, and added cargo an<;l passenger vessels, work boats, and research ships to its list of accomplishments.
In the case of 'Tokiwa Mam No.28' , it must be observed that the yard has demonstrated the ability to indeed turn out a first class and
classy vessel. lts fine lines are reminiscent more of a luxury yacht, enhanced by its distinctive, clean green and white livery. There is no doubt about its capability to deliver with function and efficiency as standard objectives, but, with Niigata's traditional style, it has proved yet again that functional doesn't have to be square or ugly.With its overall length of 63.24 metres, moulded beam of 12 metres, and loaded draught of 4.46 metres, 'Tokiwa Maru No.28' has a gross tonnage of about 1,095 tons. lts big Niigata 6MG34HX main engine has an output of 1,912kW. Coupled to a single five-bladed fixed pitch propeller it has a service speed of a very respectable 14.5 knots, having achieved 16.35 knots on trials. " The vessel has twin 1,000kV A marine diesel driven generators. A four tonne hydraulic bow thruster forward helps with its maneuverability. The steering gear, winches and windlass are all hydraulic.
lts roomy and well laid out bridge has superb all round vision, with a canvas awning covering the flying bridge on top. It is well equipped with both navigational and communications equipment. For fish finding it carries a colour scanning sonar, two fish finders, and even a Doppler current indicator. Radio equipment is extensive complying with GMDSS A3.
lts freezing capacity is 110 tonnes per day using two compressors, and 220 tonnes per day using four compressors. There are 16 brine fish hold compartments at -17°C/-40°C and four compartments at -40°C. It carries three 7.5 metre work boats, two abaft the tunnel and one on the main deck, with the 10 metre skiff mounted above the net bins on the after deck.
A substantial mast amidships, flanked by two hydraulic cranes, gives anchoring for booms and gear and the mounting for the single two tonne 15m/min power block winch.
Accommodation is provided, mainly in pleasant two berth cabins, for its crew of 22, with adequate fuel (430.84m3) and fresh water (26.61m3) to sustain the vessel for a substantial voyage. lts fish hold capacity runs to 1,232.25m3, and it was built to Japanese Government survey requirements.
Altogether presented in a very pleasing package, 'Tokiwa Maru No.28' would appear to adequately justify the Niigata Engineering Company's claims to build top of the range vessels. They take pride in their after sales service, and always give full consideration to their clients specific individual needs, and offer a finished product enhanced by every advantage that modern technology and, more importantly, long experience and an experienced workforce can provide.
Source: Fishing Boat World