Japan: IHI Corporation reveals ‘improper alterations’ of data for over 4,000 marine engines
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by Admin
Japan’s marine and land engine maker IHI Corporation is caught in a scandal following its announcement that its consolidated subsidiary IHI Power Systems Co., Ltd. (IHI Power Systems) was found to have made “improper alterations” in the test operation records for marine engines and land-use engines.
On Wednesday (24 April), IHI Corporation revealed the shocking revelations that as of 23 April, 4,215 out of 4,881 marine engines it shipped to its customers had altered data based on the result of its investigation of available data since 2023.
In late February 2024, an employee of IHI Power Systems reported that the “fuel consumption rates” provided to customers when engine products are shipped (Record Values) were altered using values different from those actually measured during test operations (Actual Measurement Values).
Upon receiving the report, IHI and IHI Power Systems initiated an internal investigation in order to verify whether the Actual Measurement Values from test operations stored at IHI Power Systems matched the values actually provided to customers, as well as to conduct interviews with the relevant persons.
“As a result, it was confirmed that the values were inappropriately altered at the Niigata Engine Plant (Niigata City, Niigata) and Ohta Plant (Ota City, Gunma) of IHI Power Systems,” IHI said in the notice.
“The subject workplaces were immediately instructed to record the Actual Measurement Values, and this has now been corrected.”
At this point in time, the firm said there have been no confirmed cases that may raise questions about the safety of the engines during test operations and actual use.
“In the interviews with the relevant persons, in addition to testimony stating that the values were altered to make the fuel consumption data look better or to adjust the variations in the data, some interviewees testified that they were carrying on the procedures of their predecessors,” it continued.
“As a result, it is believed that underlying causes of the Matter include a lack of compliance awareness and issues in the workplace culture.”
With respect to whether there have been violations of the laws, regulations, standards, etc. related to the subject engines, IHI said they were reconfirming using the Actual Measurement Values.
“Concerning marine engines, we have confirmed that there are cases that are at risk of deviating from the standards for marine products in the NOx regulations established according to the Act on Prevention of Marine Pollution and Maritime Disaster and the International Maritime Organization,” the firm added.
“In addition, regarding the fuel consumption rates prescribed by the Fishing Boat Inspection Regulations, we have confirmed that there are cases that are at risk of deviating from the standards. Based on these results, we will continue to carefully proceed with the investigation.”
Photo credit: Jaison Lin on Unsplash
Published: 25 April 2024
