Japan to collaborate with local shipbuilders to develop carbon-neutral ships

The Japanese government will team up with local shipping lines and shipbuilders to develop new types of vessels fueled by ammonia or hydrogen.

The country relies on sea-based transportation for much of its food and natural resource needs, intends to start commercial runs of ammonia-fueled ships in 2028. 

The council will work to expedite the use of “zero-emission ships,” which use ammonia or hydrogen as fuel and emit virtually no carbon dioxide.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism launched a public-private council tasked with decarbonizing the shipping industry. Nippon Yusen, Kawasaki Kisen and Imabari Shipbuilding, Japan’s largest shipbuilder, are participating.

The government plans to begin demonstration operations of ammonia-fueled ships in 2026 and hydrogen-fueled vessels in 2027, with commercial operations targeted for 2028 for the former and 2030 or later for the latter.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries and other concerns will develop hydrogen engines, while Nippon Yusen and trading house Itochu are researching ammonia-fueled ships. The government will provide 35-billion-yen worth of financial support over 10 years.

The government plans to invest about 30 trillion yen ($220 billion) by 2050 to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.