Another Japanese Shipbuilding Alliance Announced

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has reached an agreement with Oshima Shipbuilding to form a commercial shipbuilding alliance. 

The agreement will establish a technical alliance that focuses on development of new ship designs and technologies, standardization of design and construction and efficient shared use of tools and equipment. 

The alliance follows on from a previous agreement reached at the end of March between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Imabari Shipbuilding and Namura Shipbuilding. Contracts for specific projects will be decided on an individual basis.

“The new alliance will allow Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to enhance competitiveness in shipbuilding, focusing on core engineering capabilities and expertise, while ensuring that Japan strengthens its shipbuilding capabilities in the face of a rapidly changing global industry,” said the company in a statement.

Earlier this month, Japanese media reported that more than 10 Japanese shipbuilders including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Imabari Shipbuilding are working together to decide new fuel-efficiency standards.

Japan's shipbuilders and shipping lines are also teaming up to make self-navigating ships a reality by 2025. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and NYK are expected to share the costs and the expertise and lead the development towards unmanned ships. 

Participating shipbuilders such as Japan Marine United will include the self-navigating system in new ship designs.