Due to the current environment surrounding the shipbuilding industry, the Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) said that it plans to launch discussions toward forming new alliances with three compatriot shipbuilders, namely, Imabari Shipbuilding, Oshima Shipbuilding and Namura Shipbuilding.
The move targets the integration of MHI’s strengths in shipbuilding technology and engineering with the three partners’ manufacturing capabilities and cost competitiveness, which would boost ship development capabilities, enhance negotiation response, and enable further cost reductions.
MHI said that it “recognizes the need to undertake swift and progressive steps to secure the competitive strength required by Japan’s shipbuilding industry in order to compete, and mark sustained growth, in the global marketplace.”
Furthermore, the company said that it would also consider the establishment of a technology center to undertake advanced technology development and education in shipbuilding technologies and skills.
Going forward, MHI plans to issue a broad call for participation in the technology center by Japanese shipbuilders, marine transport companies, and others, with the aim of elevating the global presence of Japan’s shipbuilding industry through integration of the diversified knowledge possessed by partners in the industry.