Imabari Shipbuilding recently announced on its official website that it has reached an agreement with Kanadevia Corporation to acquire a portion of Hitachi Zosen Marine Engine business. This move aims to address the increasingly challenging shipbuilding industry environment and strengthen competitiveness through deeper cooperation.
Hitachi Zosen Marine Engines was jointly established on November 24, 2022, by Imabari Shipbuilding and Kanadebia. Its aim is to strengthen the stable supply of marine engines, sales and supply network, material procurement capabilities and carbon neutrality-related research and development.
HZME was established on November 24, 2022, through a joint investment by Kanadevia and Imabari Shipbuilding, with the objective of strengthening the stable supply of marine engines, sales and supply networks, material procurement capabilities, and development related to carbon neutrality. (HZME succeeded Kanadevia’s marine engine business on April 1, 2023, and received investment from Imabari Shipbuilding through a third-party allotment of new shares on the same date.)
Imabari Shipbuilding stated that this transaction requires approval from relevant domestic and international regulatory agencies. Upon completion, Imabari Shipbuilding and Kanadebia’s shareholding ratio in Hitachi Zosen Marine Engines will adjust from 35% and 65% to 60% and 40%, respectively.
In addition to increasing its stake in Hitachi Zosen Marine Engines, Imabari Shipbuilding completed the acquisition of shares in Japan’s second-largest shipbuilder, JMU, in early 2026, incorporating it into its subsidiary system.