Japan’s Tsuneishi Shipbuilding is working with the East Timor government on a project to build a new shipyard.
Representatives from Tsuneishi, one of Japan’s largest shipbuilding groups, recently met with the East Timor prime minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao at the Okura Hotel in Tokyo.
The parties have had a series of discussions including a visit to East Timor by Tsuneishi management in September and November this year.
It is understood a 920 km2 area in the Manututu municipality is under consideration as the site of the new facility.
Tsuneishi is to undertake a feasibility study into the project.
According to local paper Tatoli the planned yard would have the capacity to build up to 12 ships annually and create around 4,000 jobs.
According to quotes from government officials “oil and gas tankers” would be included in the yard’s product range.
The project would also include the construction of schools, hospitals and hotels in the area.
The idea is to develop the country’s economy as well and reduce reliance on neighbouring Indonesia for maritime services.
Tsuneishi, which is controlled by the Kambara family, has made a success of developing shipbuilding facilities abroad.
It developed the Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Cebu in the Philippines and Tsuneishi Group Zoushan Shipbuilding in China from greenfield sites into major shipbuilding companies.
It also operates a small shipbuilding facility in Paraguay.
Tsuneishi is one of the most ambitious shipbuilders in Japan, despite the slow decline of the national industry.
It recently acquired a majority stake in compatriot company Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding. It is developing its domestic shipbuilding capability into gas carriers, container ships and passenger ships.
