Japan to Promote AI, Robot Use for Ship Repairs

Tokyo, April 10 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government on Friday announced measures to promote public-private investments in the shipbuilding sector, including the utilization of artificial intelligence and robots for domestic ship repairs, as part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s goal of reviving the industry. Currently, most repairs in Japan are conducted on domestic vessels, while about 90 pct of ships used for international routes, such as oil tankers, are repaired abroad. The government aims to improve the domestic ship repair system to ensure stable maritime transportation. The Japanese government has set a goal of doubling annual ship construction by 2035 and acknowledged the need to bolster the supply of vessel parts such as sonar equipment and propellers. The government plans to finance the investment promotion measures with a 120-billion-yen fund for revitalizing the shipbuilding sector, which is included in the fiscal 2025 supplementary budget. Meanwhile, the government plans to continue discussions on a framework for constructing liquefied natural gas carriers. Shipbuilding is one of 17 areas for priority investment under a growth strategy to be compiled by the government this summer. “We will do our best and lead efforts to contribute to the realization of a strong Japanese economy,” transport minister Yasushi Kaneko said at a ministry meeting on Friday. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]