MHI launches JMSDF’s fourth Hibiki-class ocean surveillance ship

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), has held a launching and naming ceremony for the fourth Hibiki-class auxiliary ocean surveillance ship built for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

As disclosed, the ceremony was held on February 17, 2025, at Tamano Shipyard. The vessel was named Bingo after the former administrative districts of Japan, “Bingo no Kuni” and “Bingo Nada.”

After outfitting work on the hull, engine, and electrical systems is completed, the vessel is scheduled to be handed over to Japan’s Ministry of Defense this year.

Hibiki-class ocean surveillance ships have a length of 67 meters and a width of 29.9 meters. With a full load displacement of 3,861 tons, the ship can reach a speed of 11 knots. They also feature a small-waterplane-area twin hull (SWATH) design.

The third ship in this class, JS Aki, was commissioned into JMSDF’s fleet in 2021.