Namura Shipbuilding has decided to absorb Imari Tekko Center in an absorption-type merger effective 1 April 2027, completing the integration under the surviving company, Namura Shipbuilding. The company will proceed with dock upgrades and organisational integration in preparation for expanded production capacity for new vessels.
Namura Shipbuilding has approved a plan, as a company listed on the Osaka Securities Exchange, to absorb its wholly owned subsidiary Imari Tekko Center into the parent company. The merger will take effect on 1 April 2027, at which point Imari Tekko Center will be dissolved and Namura Shipbuilding will remain as the surviving company.
The integration is part of a large-scale expansion plan for the newbuilding business, with the aim of improving production efficiency through faster decision-making and the optimal allocation of personnel and resources. In addition, Namura Shipbuilding is proceeding with the construction of a new large-scale building dock to increase the capacity of the existing 450m × 70m dock at its Imari plant and strengthen its production capabilities for next-generation vessels.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism approved up to ¥49.9 billion in government support last month for the investment plans of Namura Shipbuilding and its subsidiary Hakodate Dock. The support forms part of the government's measures to restore domestic shipbuilding capacity. The plant is also building up its order backlog, with K Line having entered into five-year time charter contracts for 4 new Cape-size vessels of approximately 182,000 deadweight tonnes for overseas shipowner DryDel Shipping.
The 4 vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029, which is expected to support the recruitment and training of personnel as Namura Shipbuilding expands its production volume. Going forward, the market is expected to focus on the realisation of the integration benefits, the start of operations at the new dock and trends in the order backlog.