Tsuneishi opens new shipbuilding component facility in the Philippines
Tsuneishi Group has commenced operations at a new pickling facility in Cebu, Philippines, strengthening its local manufacturing capabilities for stainless steel piping used in vessels powered by alternative fuels, including methanol.
The facility was developed through cooperation between Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu), the Philippine shipbuilding subsidiary of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, and Tsunetetsu (Cebu), the local manufacturing subsidiary of Tsuneishi Iron Works.
Located within the existing shipyard premises, the plant was constructed by Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu), while Tsunetetsu (Cebu) is responsible for its operation and piping treatment activities.
The development marks the first installation of pickling equipment within the Tsuneishi Group’s shipbuilding business.
Strengthening alternative-fuel vessel production
The new facility enables Tsuneishi to complete both the manufacturing and pickling of stainless steel piping at its Philippine operations.
Such piping is used in fuel supply systems aboard vessels designed to operate on alternative fuels, where corrosion resistance is particularly important.
Pickling is a chemical treatment process that removes oxide layers and contaminants produced during welding, helping improve the corrosion resistance of stainless steel components.
Previously, stainless steel piping produced at the Philippine base depended on processing and transportation arrangements involving Japan because suitable local treatment capabilities were unavailable.
With the new facility operational, Tsuneishi expects to shorten production lead times, establish a more stable component supply chain and improve shipbuilding efficiency.
The plant has a maximum monthly treatment capacity of approximately 60 tonnes of stainless steel piping, while total capacity, including conventional steel pipes, reaches approximately 100 tonnes per month.
Expanding the group’s manufacturing network
Tsuneishi Iron Works has been developing a coordinated piping manufacturing network across its facilities in Japan, China and the Philippines.
Its operations include the training and certification of TIG welding technicians, alongside the transfer of manufacturing expertise and quality standards between production locations.
In China, Tsuneishi’s Zhoushan operations have established piping manufacturing capabilities to support methanol dual-fuel containership construction, including pressure testing and pipe-cleaning processes.
The new Cebu facility is intended to complement these activities by strengthening the local supply of specialised components required for alternative-fuel vessels.
Tsuneishi said it will continue developing its manufacturing infrastructure and supply arrangements to support shipbuilding efficiency and the maritime industry’s decarbonisation efforts.
