World’s Largest Containership Also Sets Record for Largest Engine Ever

gcaptain ^ | November 20, 2014 | Mike Shuler

[SWAMPSNIPER]

With a capacity to carry 19,000 TEUs, the recently named MV CSCL Globe is the world’s largest containership by cargo capacity. But that’s not all it’s known for. The newbuild for China Shipping Container Lines is also noteworthy for being powered by what is physically the largest engine ever constructed.

[DoodleDawg]

Surprising that they have not yet evolved to a diesel electric system similar to locomotives where the diesel engine is used to generate electric power.

I would assume they do since the article says this engine is rated at almost 70,000 kw at 84 rpm.

[Yo-Yo]

Europeans often rate power in kW, even automobile engines.

[Alberta's Child]

This article is a few months old, but this has been a recurring theme in recent years as more ships -- and larger ships -- have been added to the global fleet.

The Cost to Ship Containers is Crashing

There's so much excess capacity in the industry right now that companies are delaying orders of new ships. Building a bunch of massive new container ships right now is like building a 500-unit apartment building in a small town with a population of 250. There simply isn't enough business to justify that much added capacity to the marketplace.