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Japan has rejected reports it plans to build a giant whaling ship to replace its ageing factory ship the Nisshin Maru. The chief of whaling at Japan's Fishery Agency, Hideki Moronuki, said he knew of no plans to replace the Nisshin Maru.
"I don't know who provided this information, but I firmly recommend you don't believe the false information from Sea Shepherd or Greenpeace," Mr Moronuki said.