Niigata Power Systems Co., Ltd., the subsidiary company of　the IHI Corporation, announced that they will invest approximately 2 billion Yen in their 3 domestic plants, Ohta Plant in Gunma prefecture, Niigata Engine Plant and IHI Yokohama Machinery Works.

They expect an increase in production for their leading products such as Z-Pellers and medium speed Diesel engines for Z-Pellers with this investment.

This investment will deliver a 50% increase in manufacturing for medium speed Diesel engine for Z-Pellers at Ohta plant within 3 years. Ohta Plant and IHI Yokohama Works will be able to produce Z-Pellers 50% more, from 200 units to 300 units a year. And the productivity of large sized engines at Niigata Engine Plant is expected to double.

Today’s world shipbuilding boom and expansion of port facilities leads to a brisk demand of Tug boats, allowing Niigata to enjoy a steady demand of Tug boat propulsion device Z-Pellers.

Niigata Power Systems is the only integrated manufacturer in the world, which can produce marine propulsion systems thoroughly from the engine to 360 degree Z-drive propulsion device. Its share in Tug boat reaches 90% of the domestic market and 30% of the global market.

Moreover, Niigata Power Systems has expected further demand of Z-Pellers with medium speed diesel engines for Z-Pellers at the Supply vessels’ market.

The current escalation of world oil prices is encouraging more offshore drilling rig operations which involve Supply vessels’ work. Some of those Supply vessels tend to apply Z-Pellers as their propulsion device.

Niigata Power Systems will aim to 40% of the global Tug boat market’s shares in near future, and trusts that their reliable brand name will assist in breaking into the Supply vessel market.