12/15/2025
B&W, short for Burmeister & Wain, was established in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1843. Initially focused on shipbuilding and general engineering, the company quickly expanded into the production of marine engines. In 1898, B&W secured the Danish manufacturing rights for the diesel engine from Rudolf Diesel. This marked a significant milestone, leading to the production of their first diesel engine in 1904 and the world's first ocean-going diesel-powered ship, the MS Selandia, in 1912.
Throughout the 20th century, B&W continued to innovate in marine engine technology, including the development of the first two-stroke diesel engine in 1930. By 1952, they had introduced their first turbocharged two-stroke diesel engine. The company became known for producing reliable and powerful engines that were widely adopted in the shipping industry.
In 1980, MAN Diesel, a German company, acquired B&W, leading to the formation of MAN B&W Diesel. This acquisition allowed the combined entity to dominate the marine engine market. By 2000, MAN B&W Diesel engines held over 70% market share in the two-stroke engine segment.
In recent decades, the company has continued to innovate, focusing on electronic control and fuel efficiency. The introduction of the ME series in 2002, with electronically controlled fuel injection, exemplified their commitment to advancing marine propulsion technology. Today, MAN B&W remains a leader in the production of marine engines, continuing to shape the future of maritime engineering.
