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Japan rocked by another scandal involving marine engine data manipulation

Hitachi Zosen Corporation admitted that its two subsidiary ship engine markers falsified fuel consumption data of 1,364 ship engines that had been shipped since 1999.

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Hitachi Zosen Corporation

Japan has been hit with another scandal involving falsifying data of marine engines after major Japanese engineering firm Hitachi Zosen Corporation admitted that its two subsidiary ship engine markers manipulated fuel consumption data of 1,364 marine engines that had been shipped since 1999. 

Hitachi Zosen’s announcement came a month after another Japanese marine and land engine maker IHI Corporation announced that its consolidated subsidiary IHI Power Systems Co., Ltd. was found to have made “improper alterations” in the test operation records for marine engines and land-use engines.

The subsidiaries, Hitachi Zosen Marine Engine Co., Ltd. and IMEX Co., Ltd, were found to have conducted “inappropriate rewriting” of fuel consumption rates recorded in shop trial results. 

“Specifically, the usage of a programme which displays a fuel consumption value different from the actual value was confirmed. Possible impact on the calculation of NOx emission was confirmed as well,” the firm said in a statement on Friday (5 July). 

“At this point in time, there have been no confirmed cases that may raise questions about the safety of the subject engines during test operation and actual use.”

The company said it found data had been tampered for 950 marine engines made by Hitachi Zosen Marine Engine and 414 engines made by IMEX respectively since 1999. 

Through the interviews to relevant personnel, the firm said it was confirmed that the data was “altered at the time of shop trial test to keep the fuel consumption rate within the permissible range required in the customerʼs specification and to reduce data variability.”

“As the NOx emission verification tests were also conducted at the same time, there is a possibility that this may also affect the calculation of NOx emissions,” it said. 

“We believe that this matter stems from a lack of awareness regarding compliance.”

Hitachi Zosen said it was verifying whether there have been violations of laws, regulations and  standards related to the subject engines.

“We will continue to carefully investigate and report the impact on NOx emission regulations established by the Act on Prevention of Marine Pollution and Maritime Disaster and the International Maritime Organization, as well as the impact on CO2 emission regulations,” it said.

In response to the revelation, the company said a special investigation committee composed of external experts will be established for the purpose of ascertaining the facts, investigating the cause and proposing measures to prevent recurrence.

Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, in a separate statement on 5 July, said no related certificates would be issued to the companies until compliance with regulations on NOx emissions is confirmed.

It also said Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) will begin investigating 19 marine engine manufacturers to determine whether they were engaged in inappropriate conduct in their NOx emission confirmation tests and will request a report from them by the end of September. 

Related: Japan: IHI Corporation reveals ‘improper alterations’ of data for over 4,000 marine engines

 

Photo credit: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
Published: 9 July, 2024

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Ammonia

Mitsui E&S commercialises ammonia dual-fuel engines and fuel supply systems

Company says it has established a supply framework for marine propulsion systems aimed at the practical implementation of ammonia-fuelled vessels.

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Mitsui E&S commercialises ammonia dual-fuel engines and fuel supply systems

Mitsui E&S on Thursday (20 August) said it has completed the commercialisation of large ammonia dual-fuel marine engines and ammonia fuel supply systems (AFSS).

As the only company in Japan manufacturing both ammonia dual fuel engines and AFSS, the company said it has established a supply framework for marine propulsion systems aimed at the practical implementation of ammonia-fuelled vessels.

“While ammonia holds promise as a next-generation fuel that emits no carbon dioxide during combustion, it is difficult to ignite and poses risks related to toxicity and corrosiveness; therefore, ensuring safety, reliability, and environmental performance is crucial for its practical implementation in society,” it said. 

In February, Mitsui E&S conducted land-based tests involving the integrated operation of the Ammonia dual fuel engine MITSUI-Everllence B&W 7S60ME-C10.5-LGIA-HPSCR and the AFSS, witnessed by ClassNK (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai), and verified their performance. 

Following the completion of the tests and the subsequent review, Mitsui E&S confirmed the completion of onshore testing in accordance with classification society rules and verified compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) NOx regulations through NOx certification. 

“Consequently, we have finalised the commercialisation of the ammonia dual fuel engines and the AFSS and are now able to supply it for actual vessels,” it added. 

Mitsui E&S said it has already decided to expand its land-based testing facilities for AFSS compatible with both Everllence and WinGD licensed engines. 

“In conjunction with this, we will establish a mass-production system for both the engines and the AFSS to meet the anticipated rise in demand,” it said. 

Mitsui E&S added the company is expanding its engine lineup to accommodate a diverse range of next-generation marine fuels, including ammonia, by offering ammonia-fuelled engines and AFSS as an integrated package.

 

Photo credit: Mitsui E&S
Published: 24 August, 2026

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Events

London forum to address critical bottlenecks holding back maritime decarbonisation

Marine Energy Transition Forum 2026 will be held on 11 November to address bunker fuel, technology and infrastructure barriers that continue to slow the industry’s transition to net-zero emissions.

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London forum to address critical bottlenecks holding back maritime decarbonisation

The Marine Energy Transition Forum (METF) 2026 will bring together leading voices from across the global maritime sector on 11 November 2026 at Norton Rose Fulbright, London.

The forum will tackle one of shipping’s most pressing challenges: how to overcome the fuel, technology and infrastructure barriers that continue to slow the industry’s transition to net-zero emissions.

Under the theme “Reframing the maritime decarbonisation roadmap: addressing fuel, technology and infrastructure bottlenecks,” the one-day forum will provide a platform for shipowners, fuel suppliers, technology developers, ports, policymakers and financiers to examine the practical steps needed to accelerate progress while maintaining commercial competitiveness.

As the maritime industry navigates an increasingly complex regulatory and commercial landscape, METF 2026 will focus on delivering practical insight into the challenges—and opportunities—shaping the next phase of the energy transition.

The conference programme will explore five key themes:

  • The effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks and policy measures, including regional and international initiatives driving maritime decarbonisation.
  • Progress in developing a resilient multi-fuel future, examining investment, fuel availability, supply chains and infrastructure.
  • The commercial readiness of emerging technologies, including alternative propulsion systems, vessel optimisation, batteries, carbon capture, wind propulsion and digital solutions.
  • Building a supportive business environment for energy transition companies, with discussions covering finance, innovation, scaling businesses and market development.
  • The evolving role of ports as critical enablers of shipping’s energy transition through new fuel infrastructure, shore power and energy cluster development.

METF 2026 is designed to encourage open discussion between every part of the maritime value chain, recognising that collaboration across fuel producers, shipowners, ports, technology providers, investors and policymakers will be essential if global decarbonisation ambitions are to be achieved.

The event will feature expert speakers, panel discussions and extensive networking opportunities, enabling delegates to exchange ideas, develop partnerships and gain practical insight into the strategies shaping the future of maritime energy.

Registration for METF 2026 is now open. Further information and registration can be found here

 

Photo credit: ship.energy
Published: 13 August, 2026

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Engine

Japan’s first WinGD methanol dual-fuel marine engine passes FAT at MITSUI E&S

Company successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Test of the DU-WinGD 6X82DF-M-1.0 LP-SCR, the first methanol dual-fuel WinGD large marine engine built in Japan.

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MITSUI E&S completes FAT of Japan's first WinGD methanol dual-fuel engine

MITSUI E&S on Monday (3 August) announced that Mitsui E&S DU, a group company of MITSUI E&S, has successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) of the DU-WinGD 6X82DF-M-1.0 LP-SCR, the first methanol dual-fuel WinGD large marine engine built in Japan.

The engine is also the first WinGD large marine engine manufactured at MITSUI E&S Tamano Works.

“The engine is scheduled to be installed on the first vessel in a series of four vessels being built for a domestic shipowner,” the company said on its website. 

By utilising green methanol as fuel, it will contribute to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping operations.

“To meet the expected increase in marine engine demand under the Japanese government’s Shipbuilding Industry Revitalisation Roadmap, the MITSUI E&S Group is working to enhance production efficiency for large marine engines through integrated operation at MITSUI E&S Tamano and Mitsui E&S DU Aioi,” the company added.

 

Photo credit: MITSUI E&S
Published: 4 August, 2026

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