Japan to Resume Domestic LNG Carrier Construction with Imabari Shipbuilding and Oshima Shipbuilding Collaboration
Japan is considering resuming the construction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers domestically for the first time since 2019, ending a seven-year hiatus. This initiative is part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's investment strategy to boost economic security.
Imabari Shipbuilding Co. is exploring the use of facilities from Oshima Shipbuilding Co. in Nagasaki for the project. A meeting led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is set for Thursday to discuss the project with industry experts.
Japan's shipbuilding output, particularly in LNG carriers, has lagged behind China and South Korea. The government aims to secure about 1 trillion yen ($6.3 billion) in investment over the next decade to support the shipbuilding sector.
