China's Yangzijiang Shipbuilding (YZJ Group) is launching a new domestic yard venture with Japan's Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding (MES) and Mitsui & Co.

The idea is to expand its customer base with "diversified vessel types and new areas of shipbuilding business," it said.

The venture will draw on MES' technological strength, Mitsui’s sales capabilities and Yangzijiang’s shipbuilding capabilities, a statement read.