Japanese carrier Imoto Lines and Singapore-listed Samudera Shipping have established a new joint venture to provide coastal and regional container shipping services in Japan, according to Dynaliners.
The joint venture, named Blue Ocean Shipping, is owned 51% by Samudera Shipping and 49% by Imoto Lines. It is scheduled to commence operations in the first half of 2026.
At launch, Blue Ocean Shipping will initially acquire two container vessels from Imoto Lines, forming the foundation of its operational fleet.
The partnership brings together Samudera Shipping’s regional operating experience and Imoto Lines’ established presence in the Japanese domestic shipping market, with the aim of strengthening coastal and short-sea container services across Japan.
