Key facts
- Japan is seeking to re-establish its capacity to build liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.
- The revival effort is contingent on obtaining technological assistance from South Korea.
- South Korean legislation poses a barrier to the necessary technology transfers.
Japan's ambition to once again build liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers is encountering significant obstacles, with the primary hurdle being the acquisition of crucial technological support from South Korea. Existing South Korean laws that prohibit technology transfers present a substantial challenge to this revival effort, casting uncertainty over Japan's goals in the LNG carrier market.