Imabaris Logistics Services Ltd has received two bulk carrier deliveries, which strengthen their export portfolio.
Imabari Shipbuilding expanded their dry bulk portfolio with the recent delivery of two ocean going bulk carriers - Federal Intrepid from Shin Kasado Dockyard and Vigor OL from Imabari Shipyard head office/Imabari Shipyard for international owners - both designed as versatile workhorses capable of carrying grain, coal, ore, cement steel coils or long steel cargoes under International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes/Dangerous Goods codes reflecting strong demand for flexible tonnage in mainstream bulker trades.
These new builds feature wide hatch openings with folding type hatch covers for efficient cargo operations in ports with limited terminal infrastructure. Furthermore, each vessel boasts four shipboard cranes to facilitate efficient cargo operations in ports with limited terminal capacity. Imabari's ships boast high efficiency propellers, energy saving devices and low friction hull coatings, allowing them to achieve 14 knot service speeds while meeting International Maritime Organization phase 2 carbon dioxide intensity requirements and meeting phase 3 standards ahead of schedule. Both ships feature ballast water treatment systems and carry Inventory of Hazardous Materials certification in accordance with Hong Kong Convention on ship recycling, reflecting the yard's dedication to regulatory compliance and future-proof specification.
Central role in Japans 350 billion yen shipbuilding capacity expansion drive
Imabari Shipbuilding will play an important role in Japans 350 billion yen national investment package aimed at nearly doubling domestic shipbuilding capacity through modernisation and digitalisation of yards. According to industry reports, seventeen Japanese builders are expected to participate in the plan that targets upgrades in automation, yard facilities and research and development to restore competitiveness against Chinese and South Korean rivals. It is anticipated that government support will accompany this scheme that seeks export resilience as part of broader energy transition policy objectives.
At the Shipbuilders Association of Japan's annual JECK shipbuilding summit held in Imabari, association chairman and Imabari Shipbuilding president Yukito Higaki highlighted the necessity to expedite research and development and expand digital production systems. Discussions at the summit focused on greenhouse gas regulations, International Maritime Organization decarbonisation goals, next generation vessel designs and greener manufacturing processes as well as greenhouse gas regulations and decarbonisation goals as well as creating next-generation vessel designs and green manufacturing processes. With Imabaris position as Japans largest private shipbuilder as well as majority control of Japan Marine United as well as joint ownership with Nihon Shipyard puts them at the centre of these capacity and technology upgrade drives.
Strategic design partnerships for alternative fuel and carbon carrier projects
Imabari Shipbuilding is at the core of Japans efforts to transform their ship design ecosystem and support emerging low carbon shipping segments. Nippon press reports indicate that three major Japanese shipping companies, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsui O S K Lines and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha will invest in Miles; an expert ship design company owned currently by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Imabari Shipbuilding. Japan Marine United and Nihon Shipyard are also expected to participate in this capital injection, through their joint partnership. Their focus will be the joint development of liquefied carbon dioxide carriers as well as next-generation ammonia-capable designs using shared research platforms across yards and operators.
At present, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries holds the majority of Miles shares while Imabari controls the remaining shares, but under a planned transaction some of Imabaris holdings will be distributed among participating shipbuilding and shipping companies. Industry statements highlight this move as one that strengthens Japans international competitiveness by pooling design expertise for complex assets associated with carbon capture storage and alternative fuels. Imabari sees Miles becoming a multi stakeholder platform as complementary to their investment in digital design tools while supporting their role as lead builder of advanced deep sea tonnage vessels.
Commercial momentum for Methanol Ready Container Tonnage has increased substantially.
Imabari Shipbuilding continues to benefit from long term containership programs that underpin forward yard utilization. Taiwanese carrier Yang Ming recently signed contracts for six 8,000 twenty foot equivalent unit class methanol dual fuel ready container ships to be constructed at Japanese shipyards by Nihon Shipyard and Imabari - these ships are explicitly specified as being ready for decarbonisation of deep sea container trades via green methanol technology.
Imabaris Yang Ming deal and other large export series handled through Nihon Shipyard joint venture cement Imabaris standing as a trusted partner of sophisticated mainline carriers seeking high efficiency, alternative fuel capable tonnage. Coupled with recent eco bulker deliveries and national capacity expansion initiatives, these orders demonstrate Imabaris strong pipeline that can help it navigate tightening environmental standards while contributing to Japans shipbuilding resurgence.