Icebreakers are key to shipbuilding cooperation with US, Ishiba says

Japan seeks to leverage its technological edge to help revive American industry

20250525N Shirase Icebreaker WNI

The Shirase, a retired Antarctic research vessel, was once active in transporting supplies to Showa Station in Antarctica. (WNI WxBunka Foundation)

RUKA SHINOZAKI and SHINNOSUKE NAGATOMI

KYOTO/TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Sunday that "icebreakers, including those for the Northern Sea Route, will be key" to advancing tariff negotiations with the U.S. as the two countries seek cooperation in shipbuilding.

Ishiba spoke to reporters after visiting a Maritime Self-Defense Force base and a facility of major shipbuilder Japan Marine United, both in the Kyoto prefecture city of Maizuru.

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