Core Viewpoint - Kawasaki Heavy Industries has developed the world's first ship capable of transporting liquid hydrogen, marking a significant advancement in the shipbuilding industry and positioning Japan to regain its competitive edge in the new generation of vessels [1][2]. Group 1: Collaboration and Production - Three major Japanese shipbuilding companies, including Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Imabari Shipbuilding, and Japan Marine United (JMU), will collaborate to mass-produce hydrogen transport ships utilizing Kawasaki's technology [1][2]. - The collaboration aims to establish a production system for hydrogen transport ships, with Kawasaki supplying core components such as liquid hydrogen storage tanks to Imabari and JMU [2][4]. Group 2: Market Context and Competition - The demand for hydrogen as a decarbonized fuel is expected to rise, prompting the development of hydrogen transport ships [1][2]. - Historically, Japan's shipbuilding industry held about 50% of the global market share in the 1970s and 1980s but has since been surpassed by South Korean and Chinese companies [2][4]. - The Japanese shipbuilding industry is striving to reclaim its position through innovations like hydrogen and ammonia fuel ships, with the collaboration seen as a step towards revitalization [2][4]. Group 3: Technological Development - Kawasaki Heavy Industries has a long history of hydrogen research, adapting its technology for storing liquefied propane at low temperatures for use in hydrogen storage [3]. - The company has been expanding its hydrogen utilization strategy since the 2010 mid-term business plan, aiming to promote hydrogen's adoption in collaboration with trading and energy companies [3]. Group 4: Strategic Opportunities - Kawasaki operates two shipbuilding companies in China and is seeking partners to enhance its production capacity for hydrogen transport ships [4]. - The Japanese government is also looking to leverage its technological expertise as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations with the U.S., which could provide further opportunities for Japanese companies in the shipbuilding sector [4].
日本3家大型造船企业就量产氢运输船展开合作
日经中文网·2025-06-10 02:46