Qingdao Qiyao Wartsila MHI Linshan Marine Diesel Co. (QMD) in Qingdao, China, celebrates its rapid growth as an engine builder with its achievement of having produced one million horsepower of two-stroke marine engines. The celebration took place on 24 February 2012 at QMD's premises in Qingdao. QMD is jointly owned by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC), Wärtsilä Corporation, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., the QMD news release said.
The milestone was reached with the completion of a seven-cylinder Wärtsilä RT-flex82T engine, the second in a series of six, designed for the propulsion of large commercial cargo ships such as tankers, bulk carriers and containerships. For customers, the benefits of the Wärtsilä RT-flex82T engine include high efficiency with low fuel costs. It also features low emissions and flexible engine operational modes.
One million refers to the accumulated power output in brake horsepower (BHP) of the engines produced by QMD since the start of its operations in January 2009.
During its roughly three years of operation, QMD has built over sixty engines, the majority of which are Wärtsilä RT-flex engines, and also some Mitsubishi UE engine types. QMD has quickly gained a reputation as an engine builder that provides high-quality engines and comprehensive support to shipyards and ship owners.
"The fast development and strong growth of QMD shows that much can be achieved when strong shareholders are committed to the success of their joint venture. This has been a great help to move forward in an efficient way," says Mr Rien Hoogerbrugge, CEO at QMD.
The joint venture company Qingdao Qiyao Wartsila MHI Linshan Marine Diesel Co., Ltd., is owned jointly by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (50%), Wärtsilä Corporation (34%) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd (16%). The company operates a two-stroke low-speed diesel engine factory in Qingdao. It produces engines under licence from Wärtsilä and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the Chinese shipbuilding market, and for export.
The factory delivered its first engine in March 2009. It presently employs around 560 persons.