Investment to Secure the Global Lead in Next-Generation Ships

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment, implemented the program promoting the construction of zero-emission ships and related vessels powered by ammonia, hydrogen, and other fuels under the fiscal 2025 supplementary budget, and selected four projects.

The program builds a supply base for zero-emission ships and related vessels to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050, advances CO2 emissions reductions through market introduction, and strengthens the international competitiveness of Japan’s shipbuilding industry.

With the implementation of the four projects selected this time, combined with previous programs, total production facility investment exceeding approximately 205 billion yen will be made in Japan’s shipbuilding and marine equipment industries.

Further expansion of the construction capacity for zero-emission ships and related vessels will be advanced.

Eligible support covers production facilities for engines, fuel tanks, fuel supply systems, and other equipment necessary for constructing zero-emission ships and related vessels, as well as facilities for installing these marine equipment items on ships.

The application period ran from February 27, 2026, to April 17, 2026, and an independent committee of external experts reviewed the proposed projects. The list of selected project operators will be published by the program secretariat.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism positions this program as part of efforts based on the report by the study group established in May 2023, the Shipbuilding Industry Revival Roadmap formulated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Cabinet Office in December 2025, and the Japan Growth Strategy approved by the Cabinet in July 2026. The roadmap includes targets for shipbuilding capacity in 2035 and other objectives.