Overview
Japan Marine United (JMU) was formed in 2013 by the merger of IHI Marine United and Universal Shipbuilding, creating Japan's second-largest shipbuilder behind Imabari. Principal yards are Yokohama (Isogo) for VLCC and VLOC hulls, Kure and Ariake for containers and bulkers, and Maizuru for naval work. JMU is the primary builder for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and a major supplier of very-large crude carriers to Japanese owner-operators.
Key facts
- Yokohama Isogo, Kure, Ariake, Maizuru
- Second-largest Japanese shipbuilder
- VLCC + VLOC + container + bulker book
- JMSDF principal builder
- Formed 2013 from IHI + Universal merger
Why it matters to seafarers
VLCC officers on Japanese-owned tonnage — NYK, Mitsui OSK, K Line — will regularly join JMU-built hulls. The yard's cargo-piping and inert-gas system layouts follow ClassNK conventions and are recognisably distinct from the Korean Big Three builds.