Japan opens funding programme to accelerate zero-emission ship adoption

Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment, has opened applications for Japanese Yen 15.1 billion (around $95 million) in funding to support the development of low - and zero-emission ships.

IMAGE: Aerial daytime view of Tokyo port, Japan. Getty Images

Under the five-year programme, funding will help accelerate the early-stage adoption of zero-emission vessels powered by hydrogen, ammonia, methanol or electricity.

The programme will subsidise part of the cost of equipment required for such vessels, including engines, fuel tanks, fuel supply systems, propulsion batteries and shore power facilities.

For hydrogen- and ammonia-fuelled vessels and battery-powered ships, subsidies can cover up to half of eligible costs, while the maximum subsidy for methanol-capable and hybrid vessels is one-third of eligible costs.

Ocean-going vessels will qualify for the programme only if they are powered by hydrogen or ammonia.

Private companies and other eligible entities can apply until 3 December.

Through the programme, the Japanese government aims to accelerate the commercial deployment of zero-emission vessels, cut CO2 emissions, strengthen the country’s maritime industrial competitiveness and support economic growth.

By Tuhin Roy

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