Namura Shipbuilding plans first large Japanese drydock since 2017 by 2035
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Namura Shipbuilding plans to build a new large drydock in Imari Bay, Saga prefecture, by 2035, Nikkei Asia reported on August 19. The facility, Japan's first large drydock since 2017, will focus on LNG carrier construction. The expansion comes as Japanese shipyards operate at full capacity, limiting near-term allied maintenance cooperation.
Key Facts
- Namura Shipbuilding plans to construct a new drydock for large vessel construction by 2035 in Imari Bay, Saga prefecture.
- The drydock will be the first new large drydock in Japan since 2017 and will focus on construction of liquefied natural gas carriers.
- Japan's shipbuilding industry aims to double annual capacity to 18 million gross tons by around 2035.
- Japan's government and industry are aiming to establish a 1 trillion yen ($6.5 billion) fund to revive Japanese shipbuilding.
- U.S. commercial shipyards build ships at roughly quadruple the international price.
Drydock Expansion
Namura Shipbuilding plans to construct a new drydock for large vessel construction by 2035 in Imari Bay, Saga prefecture. The facility will be the first new large drydock in Japan since 2017. Upon completion, it will reportedly focus on construction of liquefied natural gas carriers. Japanese shipyards are expanding because their current capacity is fully maxed out.
Government and Industry Support
In November 2025, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae designated 17 nationally important sectors, including shipbuilding, as sources of economic growth through public-private investments. The Japanese shipbuilding industry outlined a roadmap aimed at doubling annual shipbuilding capacity to 18 million gross tons by around 2035. Both Japan's government and industry are aiming to establish a 1 trillion yen ($6.5 billion) fund aimed at reviving Japanese shipbuilding.
Allied Cooperation Limits
U.S. vessels have long conducted maintenance at U.S. bases in Japan. Discussions between Japanese and U.S. officials at the Defense Industrial Cooperation, Acquisition, and Sustainment forum have explored broadening repair operations for U.S. vessels in Japan beyond American bases. Utilizing Japanese shipyards for maintenance allows the U.S. to partly sidestep existing naval maintenance backlogs at home. Scaling future alliance cooperation may depend far less on reaching formal agreements than on securing available schedule space.
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Namura Shipbuilding plans first large Japanese drydock since 2017 by 2035
