JS Akashi

For other ships with the same name, see Japanese ship Akashi.

JS Akashi (Japanese: あかし; Pennant number: AGS-5107) is an oceanographic research ship built for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, named after the Akashi Coast.^[1][2] She is the fourth ship to bear this name, after the Imperial Japanese Navy's protected cruiser Akashi, the repair ship Akashi, and the JMSDF's research ship Akashi.^[3]

Akashi being launched, 29 May 2025
History
Japan
Name	Akashi
Ordered	2022
Builder	Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Shimonoseki Shipyard
Cost	28.3 billion yen
Laid down	20 August 2024
Launched	29 May 2025
Commissioned	March 2026 (scheduled)
Homeport	Yokosuka
Identification	Pennant number: AGS-5107
Status	To be commissioned
Class overview
Preceded by	Shōnan
Succeeded by	N/A
General characteristics
Type	Oceanographic research ship
Displacement	3,500 t (3,400 long tons; 3,900 short tons) (standard) 4,700 t (4,600 long tons; 5,200 short tons) (full load)
Length	113.7 m (373 ft 0 in)
Beam	17.8 m (58 ft 5 in)
Draft	9.2 m (30 ft 2 in)
Installed power	4,600 hp (3,400 kW)
Propulsion	2 x Azimuth thrusters 2 x bow thrusters
Speed	16 kn (30 km/h; 18 mph)
Crew	Approximately 90

Construction and career

Akashi was laid down at the Enora Plant of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Shimonoseki Shipyard in May 2023^{[contradictory]}, as part of the JMSDF's Mid-Term Defense Program for the fisical year 2022.^[4] She was christened and launched on 29 May 2025,^[5][6] costing 28.3 billion yen during the vessel's construction.^[7][8] After a period of fitting out and sea trials, Akashi is scheduled to be commissioned in March 2026.^[3] She will be deployed to the Yokosuka Naval Base, replacing JS Wakasa of the 1st Oceanographic Research Squadron under the Oceanography ASW Support Command.^[3]