Sakata tenders a study of a replacement ferry for Tobishima

Sakata City’s notice of 14 October 2026 invites bids for a contract titled a study of vessel performance for a newbuilding under consideration (新造船検討にかかる船舶性能調査業務委託). The tender is a conditional open competition conducted by post. The work is performed at the city’s regular-route office. The contract runs from the date of the contract until 19 March 2027.

The specification (opens in a new tab) says the aluminium-alloy catamaran passenger ship Tobishima entered service in July 2010 on the route between Sakata port and Tobishima (Katsuura). It is 253 gross tons, with a passenger capacity of 230 and a maximum navigational speed of 20.5 knots. The city says the route has many cancellations in rough weather, especially in winter, and that raising the winter service rate is an important task. Tobishima reaches 20 years of age in 2029 (令和11年), when its next periodic survey falls due. The city drew up a Sakata–Katsuura route improvement plan in March 2026.

The study compares three ships: the present Tobishima, the existing ship Yuriya of Hagi Kaiun on the Mishima route, and a new ferry under study. That ferry is described as a passenger ship for a limited coastal area, with a monohull as the basic hull form, passenger capacity of 150 or more and 200 or less, and space for barrier-free passengers, pets and baggage. The ports named are Sakata port (the Tobishima ferry terminal) and the Katsuura district of Tobishima.

Applications to confirm bidding qualifications run from 14 October 2026 to noon on 23 October 2026. Questions on the specification are due by noon on 22 October 2026. The notice (opens in a new tab) sets delivery of bids on 4 November 2026. Bids are opened at 9:05 a.m. on 5 November 2026 in room 201 on the second floor of the city hall.