First Order Received for an MAN B&W-Type Electronically Controlled Engine – the ME Engine – for a Large Ship in Japan

Hitachi Zosen Corp. has recently received an order for the world’s most advanced electronically controlled engine, a Hitachi-MAN B&W ME type.

The order – for a 6S50ME-C – was placed by shipowner Nissho Shipping Co. Ltd. This is the first ME engine ordered in Japan. The success in obtaining the order was obtained thanks to positive customer evaluations of the marine engine technology and its impact on the operational economy and environmental compliance.

The shipbuilder is Naikai Zosen and the ME engine will be delivered in February 2004.

The ME engine will be manufactured by Hitachi Zosen Diesel and Engineering Co., Ltd. located at Nagasu-machi, Tamanagun, Kumamoto Prefecture (headed by President Takeo Koike), based on a license agreement with MAN B&W Diesel A/S in Denmark.

MAN B&W began the development of electronically controlled engines in 1987, and in 1991 it started an electronic control project for developing “Intelligent Engines”. Meanwhile, Hitachi Zosen commenced basic research on hydraulic pressure- driven fuel oil pressure boosting devices and exhaust gas valve control, without the use of a camshaft, around 1985. Research results obtained as a consequence are also reflected in the ME engine.

With the receipt of this order, Hitachi Zosen intends to step up its sales activities for electronically controlled engines and to promote further development of marine engines.