1million bhp from Chinese engine plant

The milestone was marked by a celebration which took place on 24 February 2012 at QMD’s premises in Qingdao, following the completion of a seven-cylinder Wärtsilä RT-flex82T engine, the second in a series of six. 50% of QMD (Qingdao Qiyao Wartsila MHI Linshan Marine Diesel Co) is owned jointly by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, with Wärtsilä Corporation owning 34% and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 16%. It produces two-stroke low-speed diesel engines under licence from Wärtsilä and Mitsubishi for the Chinese shipbuilding market, and for export.

The factory delivered its first engine in March 2009, and has since completed over 60 large engines, mostly Wärtsilä RT-flex variants. It presently employs around 560 persons. “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 Rien Hoogerbrugge, CEO at QMD.