2025/09/04

TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDINGtopicsCorporate trends

The President of Timor-Leste Visits TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING

27 August 2025 – His Excellency Dr José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, and his delegation visited TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd.

In 2024, the company established TSUNEISHI TIMOR SHIPBUILDING, UNIPESSOAL, LDA. (hereafter “TTS”) in Timor-Leste and is currently assessing potential locations in the country for a new shipyard.

Handshake between His Excellency Dr José Ramos-Horta as President of Timor-Leste (on the left) and OKUMURA Sachio as Representative Director, President & Executive Officer of TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. (on the right)

Upon arrival, President Ramos-Horta attended the departure ceremony of a newly built vessel. He observed the oceangoing ship at close quarters and joined the traditional flag-waving send-off.

Inspecting a newly completed vessel
The President joins the send-off a newly built vessel

At a luncheon meeting, TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING provided an overview of its operations in Japan, the Philippines and China. An employee currently on intra-company transfer from TTS shared his experiences of working at TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING and living in Japan. Assigned to the Design Headquarters, he explained that while vessels at TTS had previously only been viewed on 3D CAD systems, he was now able to study actual ships in the yard, greatly deepening his technical understanding. He also noted the importance of punctuality, having experienced first-hand the precision of Japanese scheduling. Looking ahead, he expressed his aspiration to share the expertise acquired in Japan with colleagues at TTS and to help build its design capabilities to the level of TSUNEISHI’s operations in the Philippines and China.

Commenting on these initiatives, President Ramos-Horta stated: “Job creation in Timor-Leste is our foremost priority. I have great expectations for this project by TSUNEISHI, and would very much like to see initiatives for employment creation incorporated.”

During the meeting
TTS transferee giving a presentation on their work and life in Japan

During a subsequent tour of the shipyard, technical intern trainees from Timor-Leste welcomed the delegation. The President warmly shook hands with each of the first and second intakes, encouraging them individually with the words: “Are you doing well?” A commemorative group photograph was taken with the trainees.

The President shakes hands with technical intern trainees from Timor-Leste
The group photo with technical intern trainees from Timor-Leste

This visit marks an significant milestone in the relationship between TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING and Timor-Leste. The company remains committed to advancing its plan in the country, with a strong focus on employment creation and human resource development, thereby contributing to the strengthening of Timor-Leste’s industrial base.