IHI Marine United to recommence production of turbochargers

IHI Marine United will recommence in-house design and development of marine turbochargers following a 14-year break during which time the company had either procured fully built units or manufactured units according to design specifications supplied by its partner ABB Turbo Systems.

The decision to restart development and production was taken since range of turbochargers offered by ABB lacks coverage for smaller main engines or gensets with output between 300-600 kW. IHI also hopes the new strategy will place the company in a better position to respond to the expanding needs of domestic engine manufacturers, shipyards and shipowners.

The new units will be supplied through Turbo Systems United, a company formed with 50% investment each from IHIMU and ABB Turbo Systems. Sales for the first year are predicted to be around 20 units.