Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Japan's largest shipbuilder, said Thursday that it is in discussions with multiple companies for resuming the construction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers starting in 2035, a target set by the Japanese government.

The company emphasized the need to secure sufficient workforce in collaboration with companies concerned and cooperate also with South Korea, whose production scale far exceeds Japan's, in areas such as establishment of a supply system.

It has been learned that Imabari Shipbuilding, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. and Namura Shipbuilding Co. are considering collaboration for the construction of LNG carriers.

At a press conference held in Tokyo on the day, Imabari Shipbuilding President and CEO Yukito Higaki said: "We have a track record of building these vessels, and we are holding a series of discussions with multiple companies. Although no specific details have been decided, there is no doubt that (LNG carriers) are necessary vessels."

He went on to emphasize, "The biggest issue is how to secure the workforce, and it is necessary to have collaboration that transcends corporate boundaries."

In the "17 strategic fields" for focused investment set by the administration of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, LNG carriers are among the products and technologies to be prioritized for support.

The government aims to resume domestic shipbuilding of LNG carriers, which has ceased in recent years, and establish a system to build 3 to 5 vessels per year starting in 2035. Imabari Shipbuilding is thought to be the key to achieving this goal.

Meanwhile, there are concerns that a decline in the domestic production of ships, which are essential for transportation, could force the nation to rely on foreign suppliers. The government therefore has set a target of 18 million gross tons in annual shipbuilding output by 2035, double the level of 2024.

"First and foremost, we must reach a scale capable of meeting domestic replacement demand. If we reduce our production scale, the supply chain will be severed," Higaki said.

To establish a system for increasing production, Imabari Shipbuilding will explore efficiency improvements with Japan Marine United Corp., the second largest shipbuilder in the nation, which it made a subsidiary in January. Going forward, Imabari Shipbuilding intends to promote the digitalization and automation of its shipyards.

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July 24, 2026 07:42 ET (11:42 GMT)

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