JMU and BMT to Supply Next-Generation High Speed Landing Craft for Japanese Defense

28 February 2025

Caimen Japan, the Next-Generation High Speed Landing Craft for Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), designed by the BMT team in the UK, with the production design and construction of the vessels to be carried out at JMU’s facilities in Japan. (Image credit: BMT)

Japan Marine United (JMU) and BMT have been contracted by Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) to design and build the next-generation High Speed Landing Craft to be operated by the Japan Self Defense Force.

BMT, renowned for its world-leading expertise in maritime engineering and excellence in ship design, and JMU, with its long-established track record in constructing high-performance defense platforms, form an outstanding team for this venture. This partnership represents a significant collaborative effort between the United Kingdom (UK) and Japan.

The groundbreaking program showcases close cooperation between JMU and BMT, with the Caimen^® Landing Craft design provided by the BMT team in the UK and the production design and construction of the vessels carried out at JMU’s facilities in Japan.

The design of the next-generation High Speed Landing Craft introduces unparalleled operational advantages over existing models. At approximately 30 meters in length, the vessel boasts a highly efficient tri-bow hull form, resulting in outstanding seakeeping, performance, and beaching capabilities. This innovative design, born from extensive research and development of Caimen Landing Craft, propels the vessel to speeds over 20 knots, ensuring rapid deployment in critical situations.

Additionally, the vessel offers extensive vehicle and troop-carrying capabilities, significantly enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency for military operations. This versatility and superior performance make it an invaluable asset for the Japan Self Defense Force, ensuring that personnel and equipment can be delivered swiftly and safely under various maritime conditions.

The BMT team, led by Chief Executive Sarah Kenny, proudly hosted Lieutenant General Satoru Ohashi and officers from Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), alongside Kunihiko Shimada and Tomoya Maruyama from Japan Marine United (JMU), at its London headquarters in February. (Image credit: BMT)

Akinori Takeno, JMU Director and Senior Managing Officer, commented: “We are pleased to announce the strategic partnership with BMT, which will see our company meet the procurement programs of the Japan Ministry of Defense. This collaboration presents a valuable opportunity for us to work together to build cutting-edge, high-speed landing crafts with advanced aluminum hulls. By combining BMT’s innovative design concepts with our exceptional technologies and facilities, we hope to deliver landing crafts that exceed expectations. This partnership highlights our commitment to innovation and excellence in the maritime industry.”

Sarah Kenny, BMT Chief Executive, added: “BMT is immensely proud to have been selected by ATLA and JMU as design partner to provide the design for this highly strategic project. The collaboration between our teams in the UK and Japan has been exemplary from the very beginning of our relationship.”

Martin Bissuel, BMT Head of Sales, Commercial Maritime, said: “The next-generation High Speed Landing Craft stands out as a pivotal investment for the Japan Self Defense Force. Caimen Japan offers an advanced, reliable, and highly functional platform that enhances their maritime operational capabilities significantly. This contract underscores the importance of international partnerships in achieving technological and defense advancements.”