The importance of reliable engines for the seaworthiness of a vessel

…HIGHLIGHTED BY TWO IMPORTANT INNOVATIONS FROM JAPAN: BY YANMAR AND HITACHI ZOSEN MARINE, REPRESENTED IN GREECE BY SEASCAPE…

by Iris Liaskoni – Marketing Manager of Seascape Marine & Trading Ltd.

In the dynamic and demanding world of maritime operations, the importance of equipping newbuilding vessels with high-quality engines cannot be overstated. The engine is the heart of any vessel, driving not only its performance but also its operational efficiency, environmental compliance, and long-term reliability. For ship owners and operators, investing in state-of-the-art engine technology is a strategic decision that delivers substantial benefits over the vessel’s lifespan. IMO regulations, particularly on energy efficiency, heavy fuel oil bans in specific areas, and the global push for greener marine propulsion, have shown how vital it is to construct engines that align with these goals. These advancements not only help shipowners comply but also stay ahead of the competition and enhance the value of their fleets. One of the most significant trends shaping the future of marine propulsion is the shift towards dual-fuel engines. Dual-fuel technology offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing operators to adapt to fluctuating fuel markets and stringent environmental regulations without compromising on performance.

Among the global leaders in marine engine innovation, Japanese manufacturers have consistently set the benchmark for quality and performance. Renowned for their precision engineering, durability, and advanced technology, Japanese engines are synonymous with reliability. I will refer to the cases of two notable evolutions made by two makers of M/E and A/E, who honor Seascape with their long-standing collaboration for 30 and 12 years respectively – Yanmar and Hitachi Zosen Marine.

Yanmar has made remarkable strides in the development of dual-fuel engines, combining their legacy of engineering excellence with a commitment to sustainability. These engines are designed to meet the highest standards of efficiency and emissions reduction, ensuring compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) increasingly stringent regulations. By leveraging innovative technologies, Yanmar’s dual-fuel engines 6EY26DF & 8EY26DF (Propulsion engines) and 6EY22ALDF, 6EY26LDF, 8EY26LDF (Auxiliary engines) provide superior fuel efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and seamless operation across the two fuel types – diesel and natural gas. These engines, capable of operating on both diesel mode and natural gas from any region, with no output restrictions, represent a critical step towards achieving the maritime sector’s decarbonization goals.

Another groundbreaking advancement in marine engine technology comes from Hitachi Zosen Marine with their HITACHI-MAN B&W 7S60ME-C10.5-GI-HPSCR engine, for which a ship trial was conducted on November 2024, with great success. This state-of-the-art engine is designed to significantly reduce NOx and CO2 emissions. Operating on LNG, which has inherently low CO2 emissions, the HITACHI-MAN engine can reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 30 tons per day compared to conventional engines running on heavy fuel. This achievement underscores Hitachi’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, making their engines a compelling choice for shipowners.

At Seascape, we are proud to have been the exclusive dealer of Hitachi engines for more than 10 years for the Greek and Cypriot markets, and an authorized dealer of Yanmar Engineering for 30 years. Our partnerships reflect our dedication to providing top-tier, reliable, and eco-friendly propulsion solutions to the maritime industry. We understand that the choice of engine is a pivotal decision in the newbuilding process, impacting not only the vessel’s performance but also its long-term value and sustainability.

The engines of Hitachi Zosen Marine and Yanmar, represent a perfect blend of innovation, reliability, and environmental stewardship, making them the ideal choice for the modern maritime industry. At Seascape, we are here to stand by you in the process and address your fleet needs for marine engines’ after sales service.

SOME WORDS ABOUT SEASCAPE

Seascape Marine & Trading Ltd., specializes in the supply of ship spare parts and deck equipment for maintenance, repairs, and newbuildings, offering full support and technical consultancy on a global scale.
Since 2012, the company has expanded its operations to include Provisions and Stores, and, as of last year, Safety Services in Singapore and Environmental Services, currently available for Chinese ports.

Our company is honored to collaborate with more than 40 reputable factories and trading houses worldwide, including prominent names such as Yanmar Engineering, Hitachi Zosen and Kanadevia Corporation, Makita Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, EH Engineering, Seagle Marine Services, Techno Marine, and a network of reliable suppliers listed at the end of this article. In addition, we offer technical support and repair services through our partner factories and ship repair workshops, most notably Diethelm Marine Diesel.

Founded in 2005, Seascape represents the culmination of over 45 years of industry experience by our founder and my father, Dimitris Liaskonis. Today, under his guidance, my sister Ioanna Liaskoni and I, along with our esteemed management team—Maria Papadoyanne, Maria Flevaraki, and Vasso Vogiatzaki—continue to drive the company forward. Over the past 20 years, we have proudly supplied more than 3,500 vessels annually with engine spare parts, deck machinery, and provisions/stores. Our valued clientele includes over 300 ship management companies, primarily based in Greece and Cyprus, who trust us and honor us with their long-standing partnerships.