Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, Imabari Shipbuilding, “K” LINE, MOL, NYK Line, Japan Marine United (JMU) and Nihon Shipyard (NSY) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement establishes a standard design framework for liquefied CO₂ carriers and next-generation alternative-fuel ships.
The framework will use MILES Co., Ltd. as the design platform. MILES will develop the initial ship designs. Other Japanese shipyards will then apply these common designs to complete detailed and production engineering.
The companies aim to accelerate ship development. They also want to improve efficiency and reduce design duplication across shipyards. This approach will strengthen Japan’s competitiveness in global shipbuilding.
“K” LINE, MOL and NYK Line will invest in MILES. Their investment supports faster collaboration across the industry. The companies also want to allow construction at multiple shipyards using a shared design framework.
JMU and NSY will also invest in MILES. Their goal is to expand the use of standard designs throughout Japan’s shipbuilding sector. This effort aims to restore global competitiveness to the Japanese maritime industry.
Through this agreement, the partners seek to support decarbonization. They aim to advance technologies such as ammonia-fuel vessels and CO₂ transport systems. The group also wants to contribute to the development of a sustainable, carbon-neutral society.
