Seven leading Japanese maritime corporations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to create a shared design framework for liquefied CO₂ (LCO₂) carriers and next-generation vessels powered by alternative fuels, the companies announced on a joint press release on December 1.

The collaboration brings together three major shipping lines, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. ("K" LINE), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), along with shipbuilders Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, Imabari Shipbuilding, Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU), and Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. (NSY).

Central to the agreement is MILES Co., Ltd., formerly known as MI LNG Company, which will act as the design platform responsible for developing initial concepts for LCO₂ carriers and vessels incorporating decarbonisation technologies, such as ammonia fuel. These standardised early-stage designs will then be available to shipyards across Japan for functional and production design work.

"K" LINE, MOL, and NYK have committed to investing in MILES to accelerate this cross-sector effort in Japan and encourage construction across multiple domestic shipyards using the unified design framework.

JMU and NSY will also invest in the company, aiming to broaden the adoption of the standard specifications and reinforce the competitiveness of Japan’s shipbuilding industry.

According to the joint press release, the companies view the MoU as a means of supporting Japan’s broader shift toward a carbon-neutral economy.

The initiative comes as the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, with LCO₂ carriers expected to play a role in carbon capture and storage projects.