As the Japanese government gradually elevates ship control rights and maritime transport capacity to the level of economic security issues, Japan is planning a comprehensive review of its tax support policies for the international shipping industry. On August 28, the Maritime Bureau of Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced that it plans to deliberate four core tax measures concerning the international shipping industry as a comprehensive package during the 2027 fiscal year tax reform consultations.

According to ShippingChina.com, on August 28, Japanese shipowner Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. ("K Line") officially announced that it had signed an agreement with NIHON SHIPYARD to build three 311,000 DWT very large crude carriers (VLCCs), scheduled for delivery in 2029.

K Line did not disclose specific order details. The vessels will measure 339.5 meters in length overall and 60 meters in breadth, featuring a Malaccamax design aimed at efficiently transporting crude oil on routes between the Middle East and Asia via the Strait of Malacca.

K Line stated that by leveraging its expertise in crude oil transportation and the high-quality operations it has developed over the years, it will provide safe and stable crude oil transport services and contribute to Japan's energy supply.