News and Insights Japan

Japan


	October 5, 2026 MOL and Vale sign 25-year deal for tri-fuel ore carriers New vessels will be able to run on ethanol, methanol or heavy fuel oil, offering fuel flexibility.
	October 1, 2026 Iino Lines secures transition loan from Mizuho Bank for LPG dual-fuel VLGC Japanese shipowner finances the acquisition of Lumi Aurora through a green transition finance framework aligned with ICMA guidelines.
	September 29, 2026 Japan completes first methanol-fuelled coastal vessel and conducts inaugural bunkering Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, Kokuka Sangyo and Hanshin Diesel Works mark the completion of methanol-fuelled chemical tanker Kokuryu Maru.
	September 28, 2026 NYK names dual-fuel LNG carrier for Cameron LNG project New vessel to support LNG transportation for US project in which Mitsubishi Corporation and NYK participate.
	September 28, 2026 PaxOcean signs design contract with Ulstein for methanol-ready offshore wind vessel PaxOcean and Ulstein agree design contract for an SX222 service operation vessel, prepared for methanol and electric operations.
	September 28, 2026 NYK shares two years of ammonia-fuelled tugboat data with IMO Shipping company presents operational insights from Sakigake and updates on its ammonia-fuelled gas carrier at IMO session.
	September 22, 2026 ABS grants technology qualification approval for FPSO fuel cell system MODEC and Eld Energy’s solid oxide fuel cell system moves towards offshore trials after clearing initial ABS review stages.
	September 22, 2026 Japan completes world's first ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering to ammonia-fuelled vessel Ammonia fuel transferred between ships at Ariake Shipyard ahead of gas carrier’s sea trials.
	September 18, 2026 Japan Engine completes land-based testing of landmark hydrogen-fuelled engine for large vessels Hydrogen co-firing rate of at least 95% achieved during factory testing.
	September 11, 2026 K Line names dual-fuel LNG carrier Toho Emerald at Samsung Heavy Industries yard 174,000-cbm vessel, built for a joint venture with Toho Gas, is due for delivery next month.
	September 11, 2026 MOL names world’s first LNG carrier fitted with wind-assisted propulsion for Chevron charter Fujin Sailor is also the first vessel of any type to carry two Wind Challenger units.
	September 8, 2026 Yanmar Maritime receives DNV type approval for hydrogen fuel cell system at SMM The GH-FC series certification is aimed at easing adoption of hydrogen propulsion across vessel types.
	September 8, 2026 IINO Lines signs time charter deal with BGN for LPG dual-fuel VLGC Japanese shipowner’s fourth LPG dual-fuel vessel will offer rare dual-canal Panama Canal transit capability.
	September 7, 2026 Osaka Gas completes first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering in Osaka Bay Bunkering vessel Seto Azure is used to supply an LNG-fuelled car carrier at Kobe.
	September 2, 2026 NYK and Stolt-Nielsen complete Avenir LNG joint venture NYK acquires a 50% stake in Avenir LNG from Stolt-Nielsen, creating a joint ownership and operating structure for LNG bunkering.
	August 27, 2026 NYK Cruises’ Asuka III cuts annual CO₂ emissions by 1,300 tonnes through LNG fuel use LNG-fuelled Asuka III avoided emissions equivalent to 530 households annually, says cruise firm.
	August 26, 2026 OceanWings and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding complete rigid wingsail retrofit on bulk carrier Maria Topic Ultramax bulk carrier returns to commercial service fitted with a rigid, tiltable wingsail system.
	August 21, 2026 Mitsui E&S completes commercialisation of ammonia dual-fuel engines and fuel supply systems Japanese manufacturer says it is now ready to supply ammonia propulsion systems for actual vessels.
	August 20, 2026 IINO Lines takes delivery of the world’s only ice-class VLGC at Hanwha Ocean’s Okpo yard LPG dual-fuel vessel is also capable of carrying ammonia as cargo.
	August 19, 2026 ClassNK revises alternative fuels guidelines to address hydrogen, methanol and ethanol safety requirements Updated guidelines incorporate IMO hydrogen rules and new structural standards for alcohol fuel tanks.
	August 17, 2026 MOL holds naming ceremony for fourth LNG dual-fuel VLCC Vessel, named Tsurugidake, features an LNG fuel tank with a capacity exceeding 10,000 cbm.
	August 11, 2026 Kawasaki delivers 13th LPG-fuelled LPG/ammonia carrier 86,700-cbm vessel is shipbuilder's 20th delivery featuring LPG-fuel propulsion.
	August 6, 2026 Odfjell names chemical tanker with wind-assisted propulsion at Japanese yard 40,000-dwt stainless-steel supersegregator is claimed to improve energy efficiency by up to 50%.
	August 5, 2026 NYK joint venture names first China-built dual-fuel LNG carrier in six-vessel CNOOC series 174,000-cbm vessel uses both fuel oil and boil-off gas as fuel.
	August 4, 2026 Mitsui E&S completes factory acceptance test of Japan’s first WinGD methanol dual-fuel engine Engine set to be installed on the first of four vessels being built for a domestic shipowner.
	July 30, 2026 Damen launches second CSOV 9020 for TSSM, prepared for future methanol operation The vessel, to be named TSS Challenger, is due for delivery in early 2027.
	July 24, 2026 T-SOL delivers first Japan-built methanol fuel supply system The system, which received ClassNK approval in principle in 2024, will be installed on a Kamsarmax bulk carrier.
	July 9, 2026 Peninsula and Itochu form joint venture to develop ammonia bunkering in Europe The two companies will initially focus on major European and Mediterranean port hubs.
	July 8, 2026 NYK names eighth dual-fuel LPG carrier at Kawasaki Heavy Industries yard Lyla Pathfinder is capable of operating on both heavy fuel oil and LPG.
	July 2, 2026 K Line delivers two dual-fuel LNG carriers to Petronas LNG Sister vessels Puteri Johor and Puteri Kedah handed over in China.
	June 29, 2026 MHI study points to cost reduction potential in India-to-Singapore green ammonia value chain Mitsubishi Heavy Industries analysis finds value chain optimisation could cut green ammonia costs.
	June 19, 2026 MOL signs bio-LNG supply deals for car carriers across Northern Europe and Mediterranean Japanese shipping group expands bio-LNG bunkering to Spanish ports as part of its net-zero strategy.
	June 19, 2026 NYK signs time-charter deal for two dual-fuel LPG-powered VLGCs Singapore subsidiary will provide gas carriers to carry Louisiana-produced ammonia to Japan.
	June 18, 2026 MOL wins LR technology award for wind-assisted propulsion on LNG carriers Lloyd’s Register honours Mitsui O.S.K. Lines for its Wind Challenger decarbonisation work.
	June 16, 2026 NYK, Yanmar and Eneos to install hydrogen fuel cell system on new Tokyo dining cruise vessel Three Japanese companies are collaborating to bring hydrogen propulsion to a dining cruise ship due to enter service in 2027.
	June 12, 2026 Kinkai Yusen conducts first biofuel demonstration on domestic ro-ro vessel at Hakata Port Japanese shipping company to trial B24 biofuel blend aboard the vessel Nanotsu on 16 June.
	June 11, 2026 MOL and JAL partner with Lloyd’s Register and REGENT to advance Seaglider certification in Japan Four organisations join forces to establish regulatory pathways for electric wing-in-ground craft ahead of a targeted 2030 commercial launch.
	June 9, 2026 MOL Techno-Trade completes first LNG bunkering for international cruise ship in Hokkaido Truck-to-ship LNG operation at Hakodate marks first such supply to an international cruise vessel in Hokkaido.
	June 4, 2026 NYK to offset ship emissions with CDR credits from Loblolly project Japanese shipping group turns to biomass-based carbon sequestration to address residual maritime emissions.
	June 4, 2026 K Line orders four LNG dual-fuel car carriers for European short-sea operations Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha contracts quartet of 1,380-vehicle vessels at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard.
	June 4, 2026 First vessel in NYK Stolt Tankers’ newbuild series launched in China FKAB-designed 38,000 DWT chemical tanker launched at Nantong Xiangyu Shipyard, China.
	June 2, 2026 NYK begins one-year B100 biofuel trial on car carrier Japanese shipping company NYK Line launches continuous 100% biofuel trial to assess long-term operational safety.
	June 2, 2026 MOL outlines biomethane strategy and calls for cross-sector collaboration at Asia renewable gas conference Japanese shipping company MOL presents its bio-LNG approach and decarbonisation pathway at industry forum.
	May 27, 2026 Kamei Corporation begins Japan’s first ship-to-ship HVO supply at Keihin Port Japanese energy company launches HVO bunkering operation using drop-in biodiesel fuel brand Susteo.
	May 25, 2026 Itochu secures approval for ammonia bunkering trials in Singapore Japanese trading house to conduct two-year trial following MPA authorisation.
	May 21, 2026 MOL signs first annual LNG bunkering contract for car carriers in Vancouver Japanese shipping company secures year-round fuel supply with Seaspan Energy at Canadian port.
	May 15, 2026 NYK achieves over 90% methane oxidation in LNG engine catalyst trial Japanese shipping company reports results from onboard test of system designed to reduce methane slip.
	May 8, 2026 Tsuneishi delivers second methanol dual-fuel boxship from China yard Maersk 5,900-teu container vessel is handed over from Tsuneishi Group (Zhoushan) Shipbuilding Inc.
	May 8, 2026 Everllence tests commercial-scale ammonia-fuelled marine engine in Japan Two-stroke dual-fuel engine aims to enable carbon-free ocean transport through ammonia combustion technology.
	May 4, 2026 MOL achieves 98% methane slip reduction in LNG-fuelled vessel trials Japanese shipping company exceeds target in demonstration trials aboard coal carrier operating between Japan and Australia.
	May 1, 2026 Japanese shipbuilder delivers dual-fuel LNG bulk carrier Ruri Planet The 209,000-tonne Capesize vessel can run on heavy fuel oil or LNG.
	May 1, 2026 L&T Energy GreenTech signs 300,000-tonne green ammonia supply deal with Itochu Indian firm to supply Japanese trading house from planned Kandla facility for marine fuel applications.
	May 1, 2026 Asia-Pacific ports advance cross-sector hydrogen and e-fuel infrastructure Accelleron report highlights a coordinated approach combining energy, industry and shipping demand to stimulate market development.
	April 30, 2026 MOL installs dual Wind Challenger hard sails on LNG carrier under construction Japanese shipping company fits telescoping hard sails at Hanwha Ocean's Geoje yard for 2026 delivery.
	April 29, 2026 Osaka Gas launches ship-to-ship LNG bunkering in Japan Japanese energy company now offers all three primary LNG fuel supply methods for vessels.
	April 24, 2026 ClassNK grants world-first approval for ammonia-fuelled bulk carrier with Type B fuel tanks Japanese classification society issues AiP for Panamax design with tanks installed on exposed deck.
	April 24, 2026 Japanese shipping firms secure government funding for Singapore ammonia bunkering trial Sumitomo, K Line and NYK to demonstrate ship-to-ship ammonia fuel supply operations.
	April 23, 2026 MHI Marine Machinery and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding receive AiP for methane oxidation catalyst system ClassNK approves basic design of LNG engine exhaust treatment system achieving over 90% methane oxidation.
	April 23, 2026 Japanese tugboat to feature biofuel blender and ultrasonic anti-fouling system Seagate Corporation’s Bisan Maru is the first Japanese tugboat to feature both environmental technologies.
	April 22, 2026 Nippon Yuka Kogyo launches lubrication oil analysis service for ammonia-fuelled engines Japanese company offers condition monitoring service to support adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel.
	April 21, 2026 Nippon Biofuel secures METI funding for Africa-based marine biofuel supply chain Japanese company to establish Jatropha cultivation and biofuel production facilities in Mozambique and Ghana.
	April 21, 2026 MOL completes world’s first retrofit installation of Wind Challenger sail system on operating coal carrier Hard-sail propulsion system installed on Kurotakisan Maru III during service for J-Power coal transport operations.
	April 13, 2026 MOL Techno-Trade completes Japan’s first truck-to-ship LNG bunkering for foreign cruise vessel Ritz-Carlton cruise ship Luminara refuelled at Nagasaki Port using truck-to-ship method on 3 April.
	April 6, 2026 K Line secures long-term bio-LNG supply for car carrier fleet Japanese shipping company expects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60,800 tonnes annually.
	April 6, 2026 Methanol- and ammonia-ready container ship delivered to ONE Approval in Principle obtained from Lloyd’s Register for future methanol and ammonia fuel conversion.
	April 2, 2026 IINO Lines secures sustainable shipping finance for methanol dual-fuel VLCC Japanese shipowner signs impact financing agreement with Mizuho Bank for alternative-fuel tanker.
	April 1, 2026 Tsuneishi Shipbuilding delivers world’s first LNG dual-fuel Kamsarmax bulk carrier Japanese shipbuilder manufactures LNG fuel tank in-house, achieving over 50% EEDI reduction.
	March 30, 2026 Japan consortium achieves hydrogen co-firing in main engine for large commercial vessel Engine reaches over 95% hydrogen co-firing ratio, with installation planned for 2027.
	March 17, 2026 Three Japanese firms partner on ammonia bunker vessel for Singapore Sumitomo, K Line and NYK Line to conduct design study for new-build vessel.
	March 17, 2026 Stolt-Nielsen sells 50% stake in Avenir LNG to NYK Line The two shipping groups will jointly own the LNG bunkering business.
	March 12, 2026 MOL acquires 25% stake in V.Ships France, adds LNG carriers to managed fleet Japanese shipping company takes equity position in ship manager’s French subsidiary.
	March 10, 2026 Japan Engine Corporation extends ammonia engine licence to Akasaka Diesels J-ENG grants domestic partner rights to manufacture alternative-fuel engines for decarbonisation efforts.
	March 4, 2026 ClassNK updates EU shipping emissions guidance for LNG-fuelled vessels Japanese classification society releases revised FAQs addressing methane slip measurement procedures.
	February 26, 2026 Mitsubishi Shipbuilding delivers first ammonia fuel supply systems for marine engines Systems shipped to Japan Engine Corporation for integration with an ammonia-fuelled marine engine.
	February 18, 2026 Yanmar to build hydrogen engine test facility in Japan by 2029 Japanese engine manufacturer acquires land for new factory to develop next-generation marine fuel technologies.
	February 12, 2026 NYK operates methanol-fuelled bulk carrier for BHP, claims 65% emissions cut Green Future becomes first oceangoing bulk carrier to use low-carbon methanol fuel.
	February 9, 2026 Japan completes first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering at anchorage in Yokohama Five-way partnership delivers methanol fuel transfer between vessels at Keihin Port using domestically produced biomethanol.
	February 6, 2026 NYK signs long-term charter deals with Cheniere for new LNG carriers Japanese shipping company partners with Ocean Yield for vessels to be delivered from 2028.
	January 29, 2026 Oshima Shipbuilding receives approval for multi-fuel-ready Ultramax bulk carrier design Lloyd’s Register grants approval in principle for 64,000-dwt vessel concept accommodating ammonia, methanol and LNG.
	January 19, 2026 Maritime Technologies Forum to host webinar on methanol dual-fuel ship inspection guidelines MTF webinar on 5 February will present recommendations from recently published safety inspection report.
	January 16, 2026 Wärtsilä signs 10-year lifecycle agreement with MOL for 12 LNG carriers Deal covers operational support and maintenance for vessels delivered in 2024 and 2025.
	January 16, 2026 Oceanscore opens Tokyo office to support Japanese shipping with EU emissions compliance Digital compliance provider expands Asia-Pacific presence with new Japan operation led by Jyouichi Syou.
	January 16, 2026 Imabari Shipbuilding delivers 7,000-unit LNG-fuelled car carrier Japanese shipbuilder hands over vessel claiming 25-30% CO₂ reduction versus conventional heavy oil-fuelled ships.
	January 15, 2026 NYK takes delivery of dual-fuel LPG carrier with ammonia capability Lucent Pathfinder is the seventh LPG-fuelled VLGC ordered by the Japanese shipping company.
	January 13, 2026 MOL and ITOCHU sign MoU for cross-industry environmental attribute certificate partnership Japanese shipping and trading firms to promote EACs for reducing Scope 3 emissions in transport.
	December 30, 2025 Ocean Network Express names sixth methanol and ammonia-ready container ship ONE Satisfaction is a 13,800-teu vessel scheduled for delivery in February 2026.
	December 18, 2025 ClassNK grants approval for multi-fuel ready bulk carrier design by Oshima Shipbuilding Vessel design accommodates future conversion to ammonia, methanol, or LNG with carbon capture capability.
	December 17, 2025 J-ENG starts development of methanol-fuelled marine engine Japanese engine maker targets 2027 completion for UEC50LSJM model following ammonia and hydrogen engine projects.
	December 9, 2025 Imabari delivers 13,900-teu container ship with future-fuel readiness Japanese shipbuilder hands over One Synergy with methanol and ammonia conversion designs approved.
	December 8, 2025 Japanese shipbuilder delivers LNG-fuelled Capesize bulk carrier Imabari Shipbuilding completes 209,000-dwt vessel with dual-fuel capability and enhanced environmental performance.
	December 3, 2025 ClassNK approves spray insulation system for LNG and ammonia fuel tanks Classification society grants AiP to Nihon Shipyard and Hankuk Carbon for Type B tank technology.
	December 2, 2025 Seven Japanese maritime firms sign MoU on standard design framework for LCO₂ carriers Major shipping lines and shipbuilders to collaborate on decarbonisation vessel designs through the MILES platform.
	November 26, 2025 NYK Line and BHP renew partnership for dry bulk decarbonisation Japanese shipping firm and Australian resources company extend collaboration on alternative fuels and vessel safety.
	November 13, 2025 ClassNK updates methanol fuel guidelines as alcohol-fuelled ship orders rise Japanese classification society releases revised safety requirements for methyl and ethyl alcohol-fuelled vessels.
	November 3, 2025 Imabari Shipbuilding delivers LNG-fuelled car carrier to NYK Line Padma Leader expected to achieve up to 30% CO2 reduction through dual-fuel propulsion and exhaust gas recirculation.
	October 31, 2025 ClassNK publishes world-first guidelines for membrane-based onboard CO₂ capture systems Classification society expands guidelines to cover membrane separation method for capturing ship exhaust emissions.
	October 30, 2025 Yang Ming finalizes contracts for six methanol dual-fuel-ready boxships Taiwanese carrier signs deals with Japanese shipbuilders for vessels scheduled for delivery from 2028.
	October 27, 2025 MOL executive calls for development of ammonia bunkering infrastructure Carbon solution specialist stresses the need to improve ammonia supply chains and safety protocols.
	October 24, 2025 Hydrogen-fuelled tanker achieves top rating in zero-emission programme Kikou Maru becomes first coastal vessel to secure financing under DBJ-ClassNK decarbonisation initiative.
	October 16, 2025 Tsuneishi delivers Japan's first hydrogen dual-fuelled tug TEN-OH tugboat features hydrogen-powered engines and can operate on conventional marine fuel as backup.
	October 15, 2025 Tug becomes world's first ammonia-fuelled vessel to receive environmental credit certification Third-party validation enables Book & Claim allocation to help reduce customers' Scope 3 emissions.
	October 7, 2025 Japanese consortium achieves 98% methane slip reduction in LNG vessel trials Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Kanadevia, and Yanmar exceed target in onboard demonstration.
	October 6, 2025 ClassNK partners with GTT Training to offer alternative fuels courses Japanese classification society partners with French technology group for LNG training programs.
	October 1, 2025 ClassNK and Panama approve methanol tank design that almost doubles capacity SRC's Methanol Superstorage technology uses a sandwich plate system to increase shipboard fuel storage by 85%.
	September 30, 2025 Safety guidelines released for methanol dual-fuel ship inspections New report provides 41 safety recommendations to address methanol's flammability, toxicity, and corrosivity challenges.
	September 23, 2025 MOL capesize bulker begins first biofuel voyage for Anglo American Japanese shipping firm uses B30 biodiesel blend on Lambert Maru under carbon inset programme.
	September 22, 2025 NYK Line completes six-month biofuel trial with 'no technical issues' Project LOTUS demonstrates B24 biofuel maintains ISO standards during extended storage and operation.
	September 17, 2025 Nissen Kaiun invests in wind-assist technology firm Econowind Investment highlights growing industry interest in fuel-neutral wind propulsion technologies.
	September 15, 2025 Hong Lam Marine takes delivery of Artizen tanker in Japan Singapore-based firm receives new vessel from Kegoya Shipyard.
	September 9, 2025 ClassNK grants approval in principle for ammonia-fueled LPG carrier design Japanese classification society approves Kawasaki Heavy Industries and MITSUI E&S ammonia-fueled vessel concept.
	September 9, 2025 MOL secures approval for LNG carriers with four wind-assisted propulsion systems Japanese shipping company claims new design could cut fuel consumption by up to 30%.
	September 2, 2025 J-ENG completes world's first commercial ammonia-fuelled engine Dual-fuel engine achieves 90% greenhouse gas reduction in testing ahead of 2026 vessel deployment.
	August 28, 2025 Tsuneishi launches methanol-fuelled boxship as part of carbon neutrality push 5,900 TEU vessel is the Japanese shipbuilder's largest container carrier to date.
	March 10, 2025 ONE implements emergency fuel surcharge amid Middle East disruption Container line cites rising fuel costs from regional security situation and operational constraints.
	February 12, 2025 NYK trials biofuel in milestone coal carrier test Vessel is used to test biofuel for domestic utility company.