Japanese shipbuilder Sanoyas has clinched its first ferry order in 19 years, according to local media.
The Asiasis website cited Japanese reports as saying a deal has been signed for a 2,800-gt vessel for Nankai Ferry.
It will replace a ship running between Wakayama and Tokushima.
The Mizushima shipyard will hand it over by the end of 2019.
The owner has two 450-pax ships in operation, built in 1997 and 1999.
