IHI’s MEDICUS NAVI System Begins Operation at Kobelco Power Facility

IHI recently announced that Kobelco Power’s No. 3 and No. 4 units at the Kobe Power Plant (output of 650 MW x 2 units) have commenced the full-fledged use of an anomaly diagnosis system that leverages the MEDICUS NAVI operation and maintenance support system. MEDICUS NAVI is an operation and maintenance support system for power plants developed by IHI and, since 2020, the company has been providing the plant with remote monitoring for real-time operating data.

The anomaly diagnosis system is based on I-ASTA, an anomaly detection model that uses IHI’s proprietary IHI-MT system with a steam leakage detection function that leverages a machine learning model. With these functions, the system can detect anomalies with a high level of accuracy based on operating data from various equipment. Additionally, by introducing an operation optimization algorithm, the system can analyze and visualize phenomena that affect boiler efficiency.

MEDICUS NAVI was added to the existing system in 2023 and then, in 2025, after executing verification testing, IHI added a steam leakage detection function and an operation optimization algorithm to the anomaly diagnosis system. System users can now evaluate operating conditions and efficiently consider improvements, contributing to stable power plant operation and operational advances for Kobelco Power.

The technology utilizes the Mahalanobis-Taguchi System, a broadly used statistical technique, and considers power plant output fluctuations, changes in external conditions, and additional factors when diagnosing equipment condition. It minimizes false positives and makes it possible to identify the hallmarks of facility issues at an early stage.

IHI will continue to expand its anomaly diagnosis offerings and improve diagnosis accuracy. The company will continue to provide operational support for thermal power plants and will contribute to the refinement of customer plant operations by establishing clear, visible improvements.

LNG Storage Tank

In late April 2026, Shimizu Corp. and IHI Plant Services Corp. (IPC), an IHI Group subsidiary, announced that its No. 4 in-ground LNG tank at the Tokyo Gas Ohgishima LNG Terminal obtained official certification from Guinness World Records as the “Largest in-ground LNG storage tank” in the world. IPC and Shimizu jointly constructed the 250,000 m³ storage tank in 2013, which is large enough to contain Osaka Castle’s main keep and features a capacity equivalent to about 365 days of city gas consumption for approximately 360,000 homes.

Tank construction was carried out by a joint venture between IPC and Shimizu, and, despite site constraints, the project successfully achieved large-capacity storage while maintaining high quality and cost efficiency. This was achieved by leveraging a soil-covered raised roof structure and seismic design using advanced technologies. High-strength reinforcing bars and high-compressive-strength insulation were installed to resist unprecedented pressure.

IPC was responsible for the mechanical works, including the steel roof, the inner tank (membrane), and insulation activities. Since 2013, Tokyo Gas operated the tank safely and stably without accident. During this time, the multiple advanced technologies installed have proven their reliability in actual operation. In-ground LNG storage tanks are a Japan-developed technology originating from joint development with Tokyo Gas, integrating membranes designed to accommodate expansion and contraction caused by LNG temperature fluctuation.