Jinhai Heavy Industry, the shipbuilding unit of HNA Group, has announced that it has changed its name to Jinhai Smart Manufacturing Company.
Like a number of Chinese shipyards who have seen their orderbooks dwindle, the company is diversifying its business offerings, moving into smart ship systems, industrial robots, smart automobiles, aerocraft and photovoltaic products.
Jinhai announced a plan to transform from its traditional heavy industry roots to smart manufacturing in 2015 as part of HNA Group’s ongoing smart strategy.
The strategy is also a response to the central government’s ‘Made in China 2025’ initiative, which is to upgrade the country’s traditional industries and help advance economic restructuring.
At the end of June, HNA Group led the establishment of the Unmanned Cargo Ship Development Alliance in Shanghai. The members of the alliance will work together on technology, design, standards, regulation and marketing for unmanned cargo vessels.
