Foreword
The Marine Engineering Society of Japan has held five ISME Symposiums during the period from 1973 through 1995. Each of these symposiums has been quite successful, thanks to the many participants from both Japan and abroad, and their vigorous discussions of scientific and engineering related topics.
As the 20th century draws to a close, the dawning of the 21st century brings with it many new challenges. If the 20th century for marine engineering were to be summarized briefly, it would have to be said that it consisted of the remarkable development of the diesel engine, which was supported by the major energy source of oil. It can also be said to have included the development of numerous related component technologies associated with the diesel engine.
Measures for preserving the environment for both earth and humanity as a whole will surely be a major challenge with the arrival of the next century. Choices are to be made with respect to various energy resources in this regard, and much is to be expected in the development of accompanying new technologies.
The 21st century is also said to be the age of information technology. The forms of various services are changing and strides are being made to reduce costs based on the progress of information technology. The marine industry must also come to terms with this new technology so as not miss the wave of all it has to offer.
Hence, the theme of this symposium is: "Expectations for the Emergence and Development of New Technology in Marine Engineering". Some 160 papers have been contributed to the Sixth International Symposium on Marine Engineering, about the same number as were submitted for the previous Symposium. These 160 papers span a total of twenty-one fields and are all suitable as they reflect the many dynamic challenges being seen with the dawn of the new 21st century.
The volumes of the Symposium Proceedings include all the papers presented as well as the texts of the Special Lecture, three keynote lectures, and four panel discussions on the themes: "Let's think about marine fuel qualities as they are and will be --- CIMAC Fuel Recommendations and ISO 8217", "Exhaust gas emissions from ships --- How marine engines can be environmentally friendly and efficient", "Marine gas turbines in the 21st century", and "Technology in Ocean Utilities".
We hope that these volumes will prove useful to those involved with the science and technology of marine engineering systems, and that they will serve as important resources for facilitating the 21st century's development in these areas. It will give great pleasure if they help identify and provide clues to problems and otherwise play a significant role in this field.
