Japanese Shipbuilders Team Up for Mass Production of Next-Gen Liquid Hydrogen Carriers
Key Ideas
  • Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Imabari Shipbuilding, and Japan Marine United are collaborating to mass-produce liquid hydrogen carriers.
  • Kawasaki's technology, which produced the world's first liquid hydrogen carrier, will be leveraged in this partnership.
  • Imabari and Japan Marine United will handle mass production, with Kawasaki focusing on manufacturing the liquefied hydrogen tank.
  • This collaboration aims to position Japanese builders ahead of Chinese and South Korean rivals in the next-generation shipbuilding industry.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Imabari Shipbuilding, and Japan Marine United, three major Japanese shipbuilders, are joining forces to mass-produce liquefied hydrogen carriers. Leveraging Kawasaki's pioneering technology that led to the creation of the world's first liquid hydrogen carrier, the collaboration aims to drive innovation in the maritime industry. While specific details of the partnership are still in the negotiation phase, it is anticipated that Kawasaki will be responsible for manufacturing the crucial liquefied hydrogen tank, the central component of the ships, and supplying it to Imabari Shipbuilding and Japan Marine United. This strategic move not only showcases Japan's commitment to cutting-edge shipbuilding but also underscores a strong push towards environmental sustainability with the adoption of hydrogen technology. By working together, these Japanese companies seek to outperform their Chinese and South Korean counterparts in the development of next-generation ships, securing a leading position in the competitive global market.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.