Company

A dream that began with a single wooden vessel

In the wake of WWII in 1946, founder Kuniyoshi Hirai started a shipping business in Oita. One vessel after another, he laid the foundation of Hirai Line.

1. 1946
   Founded

   Founder Kuniyoshi Hirai opens an individual shipping business. The first vessel, Daiichi Hokoku-maru (wooden), is built.

2. 1950
   Daini Hokoku-maru built

   Wooden vessel

3. 1958
   Daigo Hokoku-maru built

   Wooden vessel

4. 1961
   Daihachi Hokoku-maru built

   Wooden vessel

5. 1965
   Daiju Hokoku-maru built

   Wooden vessel

6. 1969
   Daijuni Hokoku-maru built

   Transition from wooden to steel hulls.

Rooted in the region, growing steadily

In 1971, under the second generation, the company was incorporated. Our relationship with our main bank — now 80 years strong since our founding — has remained a steady source of support. During this era, the fleet diversified into tankers and LPG carriers, laying a solid business foundation.

1. 1971
   Incorporated

   Incorporated as Hirai Line Co., Ltd. Yukinobu Hirai takes over as second-generation leader.

2. 1974
   Nissho-maru built

   Stainless tanker

3. 1981
   Daijuni Coop built

   Cargo vessel

4. 1985
   Izumi-maru acquired

   LPG tanker

5. 1989
   Bisan-maru acquired

   Cargo vessel

6. 1991
   Daihachi Izumi-maru built

   LPG tanker

Across the seas, to the world

In 2002, Hirai Line made its biggest leap — entering the ocean-going shipping business and establishing a Hong Kong subsidiary, laying the foundation for global operations.

1. 1992
   Kunimasa Hirai becomes 3rd-generation President
2. 1998
   LPG tanker built
3. 2002
   Entered ocean-going shipping business
4. 2003
   Asphalt tanker built
5. 2006
   Cargo vessel built

   Built in Vietnam.

6. 2009
   Cargo vessel built
7. 2013
   Car carrier built

Honoring tradition, embracing the future

In 2022, Shinko Hirai — with prior experience at the MOL Group — became the 4th-generation president. While preserving tradition, the company is taking on new challenges, reaching an 11-vessel fleet in 2026 through newbuild deliveries and acquisitions. With another newbuild cargo vessel scheduled for delivery in 2027, we are steadily working to expand our fleet further.

1. 2017
   Shinko Hirai joins / Cargo vessel built
2. 2020
   Cargo vessel built
3. 2022
   Shinko Hirai appointed President & CEO

   A cargo vessel was newly built the same year.

4. 2023
   Chemical tanker acquired
5. 2024
   Cargo vessel built / Chemical tanker acquired
6. 2025
   LPG tanker acquired
7. 2026
   New head office / 11-vessel fleet

   Moved to our new head office in Kanaike, Oita City. Two cargo vessels newly built (40,000 DWT and 13,500 MT); one 28,000 DWT cargo vessel (jointly owned) and one 5,000 CBM LPG tanker acquired.

8. 2027
   Newbuild cargo vessel delivery (planned)

   A 17,500 MT cargo vessel on order is scheduled for delivery — toward a 12-vessel fleet.