The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is considering a plan to treat foreign-flag vessels chartered from overseas subsidiaries as Japanese-flag vessels, with the aim of making it easier for the government to direct their operation to rescue Japanese nationals and transport supplies during emergencies. The government is reportedly planning to amend the relevant laws going forward.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is considering a system under which vessels chartered from overseas subsidiaries would be treated as Japanese-flag vessels, in light of the fact that, although the current system allows the government to order the transport of supplies and rescue operations during emergencies on the condition that vessels are Japanese-flagged, domestic shipping companies frequently operate foreign-flag vessels. The aim is to secure transport during wartime and disasters.
The vessels covered by this system are expected to receive adjustments including tax incentives. The specific operating procedures and scope of application are expected to be worked out going forward, and changes to the legal framework may be required.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is reportedly aiming to amend the relevant laws, and preparations are expected to proceed for a system designed to secure the transport of supplies and rescue operations during emergencies.