Vessels running on LNG and hydrogen will be able to enter Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Tokyo ports free of charges as an incentive to expand the use of cleaner marine fuels. The fee waiver will also apply to LNG bunkering ships and vessels propelled by dual-fuel engines that use LNG and low-sulfur marine fuel. The tariff exemption will be introduced on April 1 and will be effective until March 31, 2026.
Japan’s Eco Bunker Shipping plans to commission the first LNG bunkering ship in Tokyo bay this year. Japanese companies from various sectors are also cooperating to launch a hydrogen-fueled passenger ferry at Yokohama port in 2024. Japan’s first commercial hydrogen-powered ship is due to be launched in April.
The use of hydrogen fuel in Japan is expected to increase over the coming years under the country’s 2050 carbon-neutrality target. Domestic hydrogen consumption is forecast to expand to 3 million tons in 2030 and 20 million tons by 2050.
