Japan eyes major shipyard consolidation to counter China’s dominance
- Transport ministry road map targets consolidation into one, two or three major shipbuilding groups by mid-2030s
- Plan aims to double capacity to 18m gt and cut construction costs by 10%
- Phased investment focuses on automation, facility expansion and AI/robotics deployment through 2034
The documents warn that China is strengthening its dominance in global shipbuilding, and argue Japan must rebuild ‘international competitiveness’ to avoid further declines in output and market share
