MHI Acquires Industrial Development Site in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Plans Capital Investment to Expand Shipbuilding Capacity

Tokyo, October 2, 2026

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) today concluded a contract with Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, to acquire an industrial development site on the artificial island of Choshu Dejima. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of MHI Group, will utilize the acquired land to expand its shipbuilding capacity in anticipation of future business growth.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will transfer some of the functions currently performed at the Enoura Plant of MHI's Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works to the newly acquired site. The company will also construct a new hull block manufacturing facility to strengthen its production capabilities. With the importance of shipbuilding capacity increasing in light of the outlook for global seaborne transportation demand and growing economic security concerns, the project is intended to strengthen Mitsubishi Shipbuilding's competitiveness over the medium to long term and establish a stable shipbuilding framework.


Choshu Dejima (Source: Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture).   Image by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

The Japanese government has been advancing policy initiatives in recent years to ensure the stable supply of ships, including the addition of hulls to the list of ship parts designated as specified critical products under the Act on the Promotion of Ensuring National Security Through Integrated Implementation of Economic Measures (the Economic Security Promotion Act). In this context, the project has been recognized as an initiative that will contribute to maintaining and strengthening Japan's shipbuilding infrastructure and ensuring the stable supply of ships.

On September 11, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding received approval from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for its plan to ensure the supply of specified critical products (ship parts) under the Economic Security Promotion Act. The project is expected to involve a total investment of approximately 100 billion yen, of which up to 40 billion yen is expected to be covered by government subsidies.

Going forward, MHI and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue to steadily implement measures to expand shipbuilding capacity, helping to enhance the competitiveness of Japan's shipbuilding industry and ensure the stable supply of ships.

About MHI Group
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. press release