Mitsubishi Touts Simplicity, Reliability Of Its Mechanically Controlled Marine Engines

Mitsubishi is highlighting its mechanically controlled Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 and new Tier 4 engines, saying that its customers prefer their simplicity and reliability..

“Our highly qualified and talented engineering team in Japan designs, manufactures, and tests our state-of-the-art engines,” says Rodrigo Teixeira, Mitsubishi Marine leader for North and South America. “This ensures each engine is made with legendary Japanese quality, while still retaining traditional mechanical controlled technology that is compliant with current EPA regulations. No other manufacturers are providing this level of self-service simplicity to the operators in the industries we serve.” 

Mitsubishi customers have told the company they prefer mechanical controls because they gave engineers the freedom to work on their equipment without a computer, if they choose.

Joey Carbonell, owner of Teche Towing, has relied on Mitsubishi engines for more than 15 years.

“Mitsubishi engines are extremely reliable, slow-rolling heavy iron engines,” Carbonell said. “We have been operating Mitsubishi engines since 2005, and with preventive maintenance and regular oil changes our reliability of the Mitsubishis are great.” 

Numerous other customers keep coming back to Mitsubishi for the same reason, the company said. In particular, it noted that BC Ferries is the largest passenger ferry line in North America and has relied on Mitsubishi for many years. The company recently announced its new Island Class, which runs a battery-hybrid power system that is driven by Mitsubishi engines. 

Tug operators Grant Westmoreland of Pacific Tugboat Service and Dominique Smith of TradeWinds Towing are just two of many tug operators who keep coming back to Mitsubishi for simple mechanical engines. 

“The simple, mechanically controlled, Tier 3 Mitsubishi provides less complex maintenance, as computers are not required, and the big Mitsubishi displacement provides PTS vessels with reliable power,” Westmoreland said. 

Over the years, the expanding growth of electronic engines has led to an increase in horsepower, with most companies offering smaller displacement-to-horsepower ratios. For example, while the market offers engines with 33hp/liter (600hp/18 liters displacement), Mitsubishi offers 26hp/liter (630hp/24 liters displacement). In other words, the competition’s engines are working 27 percent harder than Mitsubishi’s engines. Mitsubishi said this had led operators to say the Mitsubishi engines have less downtime and longer lifespan, comparatively.

Mitsubishi also noted that most continuous-duty workboat engines are operating at 1,800 rpm. but that slower rpm. means less piston speed and less wear. Mitsubishi’s Tier 3 S6R2 is gaining popularity in the commercial marine markets as it offers 803 hp. at 1,400 rpm. with a displacement of 30 liters without the need for after treatment. 

“As long as the U.S. commercial marine market has a desire for easily serviceable, heavy-duty, reliable engines, Mitsubishi and its partners will be here to answer those needs with a full line of mechanical-controlled engines and support throughout the nation,” Teixeira said.

Mitsubishi Turbocharger and Engine America (MTEA) is responsible for the distribution of Mitsubishi Marine Propulsion Engines in the Americas, including Canada, Mexico and in central America and South America. MTEA is a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine Turbocharger LTD, a global corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and a major division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Mitsubishi has been manufacturing marine diesel engines for more than 70 years.