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| JMSDF oil tanker YOT-01 prior to launch. Photo : JMSDF |
The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force ( JMSDF ) has launched its first oil tanker simply known as the YOT-01 on 20th Oct 2021. There had been no prior official press release to inform the public about this launching ceremony. It followed the launch of the second Taigei-class attack submarine just 6 days before.
The relatively low tonnage of just 4900 tons is typical of a product tanker which carries refined oils of various grades from the refinery to the destination market. This is in contrast to crude carriers which can have displacements of 250000 tons or more. Indeed JMSDF's Kure District Command tweeted that main function of the tanker is to transport fuel from the refinery to JMSDF naval bases.
From the initial photographs released by the JMSDF and also from videos on social media, the oil tanker did not appear to have a name and is simply designated YOT-01. While it is common not to name smaller vessels like barges and landing crafts, it is rather odd for a naval vessel of this size not to have been named. Also, the familiar Warship March that is always played during JMSDF ship launching was not heard this time. I hope I am proven wrong. *
The tanker has its origins as the 4900 ton oiler of the FY2019 Defense Plans ( 平成31年度計画の4900トン型油槽船 ). It was built by the Shin Kurushima Dockyard Co.Ltd in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture. It would be the shipyard's first ship construction for the Ministry of Defense and it has already received the order for a second tanker. Imabari City is the shipbuilding capital of Japan and it is located on the north-western part of Shikoku Island on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea.
YOT-01 is expected to enter service in the spring of 2022 while YOT-02 is scheduled for delivery in the summer of the same year.
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| Cord cutting with silver axe. Photo : JMSDF |
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| Prior to launch, starboard view. Photo : JMSDF |
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| Prior to launch. Only silver axe for ceremonial cord cutting on the table. The usual ship naming papers are nowhere to be seen. Photo : JMSDF |
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| YOT-01 going down the slipway. Photo : JMSDF |
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| YOT-01 in the water. Photo : JMSDF |
* The official JMSDF video on the launching ceremony of YOT-01 has been released on 15th Nov 2021. Instead of the "Warship March", the tanker was launched amidst the tunes of "Anchors Aweigh" of the US Naval Academy.
