Japan has opened a five-year, ¥15.1bn ($95m) subsidy programme to accelerate orders for ships powered by hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and batteries.
The scheme, launched jointly by the transport and environment ministries, will cover up to half the cost of eligible equipment for hydrogen, ammonia and fully electric ships.
Methanol-fuelled and hybrid vessels can receive support covering up to one-third of equipment costs.
Eligible spending includes engines, fuel tanks, fuel supply systems, propulsion batteries and shore power equipment. The subsidy applies to new equipment installed on newbuildings rather than the full cost of the ships.
For international trading vessels, support will be limited to hydrogen- and ammonia-fuelled ships. Domestic projects can also include methanol, battery-electric and hybrid tonnage.
The programme has an initial-year budget of ¥1.2bn and will run until January 2031. Applications for the first round are open until December 3.
Tokyo is also offering support for the use of lower-emission steel in newbuildings.
Japan has been stepping up state backing for alternative marine propulsion. Government-supported projects have included land-based testing of marine hydrogen engines and development of a 40,000 cu m liquefied hydrogen carrier scheduled to enter demonstration service by 2030.
