From Nikkei Asia · · 40s
Japan to tap foreign ships for emergency fleet
Japan lets foreign-owned ships join emergency fleet by 2027.
In brief
Japan lets foreign-owned ships join emergency fleet by 2027. Japan will include foreign-flagged vessels owned by overseas subsidiaries in its emergency fleet starting fiscal 2027. Originally reported by Nikkei Asia.
Japan's emergency fleet expansion
Japan plans to let foreign-flagged ships owned by overseas subsidiaries count as Japanese-flagged vessels starting fiscal 2027.
Current fleet registration status
Only 15% of Japan's merchant vessels were registered in the country as of June 2025.
Emergency fleet purpose
The move aims to broaden the range of craft Japan can mobilize during emergencies.
In short
Japan will include foreign-flagged vessels owned by overseas subsidiaries in its emergency fleet starting fiscal 2027.
