Japanese shipyards are receiving a wave of new money as the government pushes to double the nation’s shipbuilding volume. The plan promises more jobs, higher technology and a stronger position in the global market.

A total of 900 billion yen in public‑ and private‑sector investments have been decided, covering large cranes and dock restoration. The government aims to double domestic shipbuilding volume to 18 million gross tons by 2035, with about 1 trillion yen in public‑ and private‑sector investment.

Imabari Shipbuilding, Japan’s largest shipbuilder, will invest around 300 billion yen. The transport ministry will provide 113.8 billion yen in subsidies so the company can install jib cranes and welding robots.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries will receive 15.6 billion yen in subsidies to introduce AI‑enabled robots and digitalise its plant. Japan’s shipbuilding sector is designated as one of the strategic fields to compete with China and South Korea.

If the plans succeed, output at the upgraded yards could more than double, helping Japan regain a stronger position in global shipbuilding. The massive spending shows how the country is using high‑tech upgrades to revive a key industry.