The engine in the photo is the about 15m high, about 24m long, with total displacement of about 22 million cc, and output of around 60,000kW (85,000 HP).

This is larger than the engine on the Brasil Maru, and has about the output equivalent to about 230 large trucks.

Vessel engines must often run continuously for more than a month, and they must be durable enough to last at least 20 years. So it is clear that vessel engines must be highly reliable. These large, high-output engines are used on today's large containerships.

Engine Comparison: World's Largest Vessels vs. Trucks

Main specifications	Diesel engine for large-size vessel	Diesel engine for large-size truck
Type of engine	2 cycle	4 cycle
No. of cylinders	11	6
Diameter of piston	980 mm	120 mm
Total displacement	22,000,000 cc	10,000 cc
Max. output/rpm	85,000 HP /94 rpm	380 HP /1,800 rpm
Weight	2,000 tons	1 ton

Introduction of electronically controlled engines

In recent years, more electronically controlled engines have been adopted for marine use. Electronic systems can precisely control the timing of fuel injection into the cylinder as well as exhaust valve timing and cylinder lubrication timing. Improved control helps reduce consumption of fuel oil, and cylinder oil, which means lower emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx), smoke,soot and particulate matter (PM).

Larger engines and larger vessels go hand in hand. This section introduces one of the world's largest iron ore carriers, the Brasil Maru, which was the original model for the ISHIN-III.