The 2024 Asia Pacific Maritime (APM 2024), a cornerstone event for the maritime sector, was held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore from March 13-15. The gathering is recognized as the most influential maritime exhibition in the Asia-Pacific, drawing more than 1,500 exhibitors from 60 countries. Weichai was among the participants, challenging established marine engine brands with its latest innovations in marine propulsion and technological achievements.

The presentation captured the attention of an international audience, especially stakeholders from the Asia-Pacific region. On the morning of 13 March, Weichai made headlines at the Asia-Pacific Marine Engine New Products Conference when it introduced the next-generation WH17, a new high-end marine engine designed to redefine standards in marine propulsion. Tan Xuguang, Chairman of Weichai Group, showcased the engine, highlighting its innovative features and the potential for transforming the marine market.

The event, attended by more than 100 influential figures from across the industry, including representatives from marine engine agencies and key customers, marked a significant moment for the Asia-Pacific maritime community. In a move that underscores Weichai's half-century legacy in Southeast Asia's maritime sector, Mr. Tan, the group's chairman, unveiled the WH17, a testament to the company's enduring commitment to quality, service, and brand excellence. Weichai's journey to innovate a new medium-speed marine engine, the WH17, reflects seven years of dedicated research and development.

This latest addition has been rigorously tested with over 10,000 hours on the bench and more than 1 million hours at sea, ensuring its readiness to take on the demands of the modern maritime industry. The WH17 engine series boasts a versatile lineup, from the 6-cylinder model with 1,000 horsepower to the robust 16-cylinder variant delivering 3,200 horsepower, positioning Weichai alongside the world's elite marine power brands. At the conference, Weichai laid out four steadfast promises to its global clientele: To offer the most comprehensive range of marine power options.

To provide unmatched versatility in applications and superior solution offerings. To lead in delivering reliable, fuel-efficient, and eco-friendly marine power. To ensure unparalleled professionalism, efficiency, and speed in marine power service delivery.

The Weichai WH17 high-end marine engine showcases a suite of advanced engineering features, starting with its high-strength creeping iron body and a cylinder head, alongside a high-grade, reliable alloy steel crankshaft, and an ECU common rail system capable of achieving a fuel injection pressure of up to 2200bar. Key components are meticulously selected from leading international suppliers to ensure optimal performance and quality. The engine's proprietary ECU technology enables precise operational control, further improving fuel efficiency while reducing the environmental footprint.

Weichai's strategic introduction of the WH17 aims to broaden its influence in the Asia-Pacific's competitive marine engine sector. The engine is designed to meet the diverse needs of a wide array of maritime vessels, ranging from inland and offshore transport ships to engineering and passenger vessels, fishing boats, and other specialized maritime crafts, reinforcing Weichai's market presence and leadership in the region's maritime sector.