MHI takes over Mitsui E&S naval ship business

Japan-based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has reached a final agreement with Mitsui E&S Holdings under which MHI will take over the latter’s naval and governmental ship business.

Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, an operating company of Mitsui E&S Holdings, specializes in the construction and repair of auxiliary ships, such as supply ships and oceanographic survey ships for Japan’s Ministry of Defense, as well as governmental ships such as vessel for patrolling local fishing waters.

In recent years the company has also been actively developing new technologies incorporated into autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) and autonomous surface vehicles (ASV).

MHI undertakes comprehensive operations in diverse systems and equipment for land, sea and air defense, and applying the technological synergies it develops, designs and constructs naval vessels.

The company also offers full maintenance and repair services for naval vessels. In recent years the company has also focused on the development of new frigates and destroyers beyond traditional parameters, addressing expanding customer demands in areas such as energy savings, unmanned operation, cybersecurity, and reduced lifecycle costs.

Under the newly signed agreement, MHI will take over Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding’s operations in naval and governmental ships, including AUVs and ASVs. MHI will function as an operating company, with operation of the latter’s Tamano Works to continue.

Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding’s products and technologies are said to fully complement those of MHI. MHI said it will be in a solid position to further strengthen the operations of its Naval Ship & Maritime Systems Division.

Following the requisite reviews by the Fair Trade Commission and other pertinent authorities, the transfer of operations is targeted for completion in October 2021.