Japan Marine United Leads Zero-Emission Initiative
Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) has been selected for a significant project by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The initiative, titled “Promotion of Zero-Emission Ship Construction,” aims to establish a domestic production system for zero-emission vessels. This selection, announced on January 9, 2025, underscores Japan’s commitment to enhancing its green ship production capabilities and reducing carbon emissions in the maritime sector.
Strengthening Japan’s Shipbuilding Industry
The Japanese government’s initiative seeks to bolster the nation’s shipbuilding industry by implementing essential infrastructure projects for constructing zero-emission vessels. This move comes at a crucial time, as Japan’s shipbuilding sector has faced fluctuations in new orders. According to the Japan Ship Exporters Association (JSEA), Japanese shipbuilders experienced a significant decline in new orders in October 2024, with only 16 units ordered, representing a 70.9% drop compared to the same month in 2023. Despite this downturn, Japan remains a key player in the global shipbuilding market, accounting for approximately 20% of worldwide output as of March 2024, ranking third behind China and South Korea.
JMU’s proposal, “Establishing an efficient supply system for alternative/new fuel vessels,” aims to address existing bottlenecks in the construction of ships powered by clean fuels. The project is set to receive an investment of around ¥20 billion (approximately $128.4 million), with operations scheduled to commence in 2027. JMU plans to increase the proportion of alternative fuel-powered ships from the current 15% to 70% by 2030 and 85% by 2040, aligning with Japan’s broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
In addition to JMU’s efforts, the Japanese shipping industry is committed to decarbonization. The Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA) has projected an investment of $280 billion by 2050 to meet climate neutrality goals. JMU has previously collaborated with various industry stakeholders to explore carbon recycling technologies for ship fuels. Recently, JMU partnered with Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) to develop methods for analyzing ship performance in real sea conditions, aiming to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.