On October 22nd, MHI completed the manufacture of the first new UEC 68LSE Series Model engine related to a contract received in October of last year. Guests from several ship owning companies were invited to an Announcement Party held at the MHI shipbuilding plant that made the new engine. The engine was made for K.K. Fuyo Shipping Co. as the main engine (24,000PS x 95rpm) for a 177,000-ton bulk carrier constructed by the Namura Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. The new engine will be delivered in January 2003, as per the project schedule.

The 68LSE engine was selected and designed based on a thoroughgoing study concerning to determine the best engine for the future market demand related to use for Capesize Bulkers, Suezmax Tankers and mid-size container ships that are predicted to be designed for faster speeds and greater carrying capacity in the coming years. In addition, similar to the UEC-LSII model, the new engine has been designed for high reliability and high economy (Low fuel consumption).

The LSE Engine is based on the concepts: Excellent Reliability, Economy, Easy Maintenance, Environment - friendly.
For the purposes of designing the new engine, MHI used high-precision analysis tools developed in house (A cylinder internal combustion simulator, main bearing configuration analyzer, etc.) and a 3D-CAD system that has made it possible to raise the reliability level of the design for the new engine to an even higher level than previous UE Series models.

In addition, for this new main engine, as a product-differentiating technological feature, the latest IT technology has been used to create a unique support system that will help to provide safe and successful voyages. This system is a new and unique main engine diagnostic system developed by MHI called “Doctor Diesel”. The system carries out many different diagnostic and monitoring functions that can include the use of cylinder liner temperature monitoring devices. MHI is also putting additional efforts into its post-voyage after-service.

In addition, MHI also has obtained exclusive rights for Japan for manufacture and sales of SIP (Swirl Injection Principle) equipment that makes it possible to greatly reduce the consumption of cylinder oil. This equipment has been combined with a unique drive system developed in-house by MHI to produce a revolutionary total system for cylinder lubrication injection. Combined with the new, state-of-the-art, high-performance UEC-LEC Series engine, total cumulative manufacturing output as of business year 2002 is estimated to be 26,000,000 PS (3,300 units) for UEC engines. Working together with sub-licensees, Kobe Diesel Co., Ltd. and Akasaka Diesels, Ltd., etc., MHI plans for continuing expansion of sales.

UEC68LSE Engine (Main specs)