First Order Received For ME Engine in Japan

Hitachi Zosen Corp. has received an order for a Hitachi-MAN B&W ME engine. The order, for a 6S50ME-C,was placed by shipowner Nissho Shipping Co. Ltd., and is the first ME engine ordered in Japan. 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, Tamana-gun, 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.