Mitsubishi Diesel Generators: Performance, Price & Ship Types
Mitsubishi marine diesel generators are a long-standing choice in Asian-built vessels — especially from Japan and South Korea. Known for their rugged engineering, solid fuel efficiency, and long service intervals, Mitsubishi units are often found aboard bulk carriers, tankers, and RoRo vessels built in top yards like Imabari or Oshima. While not always as heavily marketed globally as European or U.S. brands, they’re respected in the commercial shipping world for just quietly getting the job done. If you're running a ship that was originally spec’d in East Asia, there's a good chance your backup or primary genset says "Mitsubishi."
| Mitsubishi – Generator Positioning | |
|---|---|
| Where It Fits in the Marine Power Market | |
| Cost Tier | Mid. Often priced lower than premium European brands but more expensive than entry-level Chinese sets. Competitive pricing for large-frame units. |
| Typical Users | Bulk carriers, container vessels, RoRos, and mid-sized tankers — especially those originally built in Japanese or Korean shipyards. |
| Performance Reputation | Strong. Mitsubishi engines are praised for consistent long-hour operation and clean combustion. Their larger gensets are known to run cooler than most, even under full load. |
| Serviceability | Good — especially in Asia-Pacific. Parts availability is solid but can be slower in Western ports. Some shipowners pre-order spares to avoid downtime on longer routes. |
| Compliance | IMO Tier II and Tier III models available. Emissions control tends to be handled via engine design over SCR systems, simplifying maintenance in many cases. |
| Best Fit | A great match for ships built in East Asia or owners looking for large, workhorse generators that don’t require high-maintenance emissions systems. Quietly dependable. |
| Mitsubishi – Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| A Balanced Look at Mitsubishi Gensets | |
| ✅ Pros |
- Reliable for long, steady-duty cycles - Excellent integration in Japanese and Korean ship builds - Mid-range price with solid performance - Known for cooler operation under heavy loads - Durable even with long intervals between maintenance windows |
| ❌ Cons |
- Limited support network in some Western regions - Spare part lead times can be long outside Asia - Less modular than some European brands - Fewer models optimized for hybrid/electrification support |
| Mitsubishi – Pricing Guide | |
|---|---|
| General Estimates by Power Class | |
| 100–300 kW | $28,000 – $55,000 Used for auxiliary power or small main generator setups on cargo ships and RoRo vessels. |
| 300–800 kW | $55,000 – $110,000 Found on mid-sized tankers, feeders, and bulkers — often used as primary genset when reliability is key. |
| 800–1500+ kW | $110,000 – $250,000+ Large frame generators used on major cargo lines, offshore support vessels, and integrated hybrid packages. |
Our team helps vessel owners like you find the right diesel generator for your ship — without the pressure. We work with top suppliers to help you compare specs, get the best pricing, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re outfitting a new build or replacing an old unit, we’re here to make the process easier and faster. Get started with our quick quote request form below.