Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) plans to invest approximately ¥100 billion in a Shimonoseki shipyard expansion centred on a new hull-block plant on Choshu Dejima. Government subsidies are expected to cover up to ¥40 billion of the investment.
Under a land acquisition agreement signed on 2 October 2026, the company secured industrial land from Shimonoseki City on the artificial island in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding plans to move selected functions from the Enoura plant to the new site, where it will manufacture hull blocks. The new facility is scheduled to enter service in 2030.
The expansion is intended to increase production capacity and strengthen the company’s ability to maintain a stable supply of ships.
Japan’s transport ministry approved the investment plan on 11 September through the Economic Security Promotion Act framework, which covers ship hulls as designated critical components.
Mitsubishi’s plan was among five approved in the second round of the government’s shipbuilding support programme. Following the initial shipyard funding approvals, eight plans have now been authorised across the two rounds. The programme supports investments including automation, new production facilities and upgrades to existing yards.
