Experimental superhigh-speed ship “Hayate” (疾風) on display outside Kobe Maritime Museum, Meriken Park, 8th January 2013
Type: Techno Super Liner model TSL-F
Builder: Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kobe
Gross tons: 40
Length overall: 17.1 m
Propulsion: water jet type
Max. speed: 41 knots
Completed 1994.
The TSL project was set up in 1989 under the auspices of the Ministry of Transport by 6 of Japan's then largest shipbuilders (Kawasaki, IHI, Sumitomo, Mitsubishi, NKK & Hitachi) with the goal “to establish basic technology for design and construction of a new type superhigh-speed ship” which would “achieve a speed of more than 50 knots …., (have) a loading capacity of more than 1,000 tons, a cruising range of more than 500 nautical miles …., as well as the capability to run even on rough seas”. Two experimental vessels (including “Hayate”) and one commercial air-cushion ferry were eventually built, but the project came to naught, mainly for financial reasons. In addition, “Hayate” was found to be too unstable and her design was abandoned early on. She was exhibited as shown here in this photo but was removed in 2016. Techno Seaways, the holding company of TSL, declared bankruptcy in 2013.