Rudolf Diesel's epoch-making invention became a practical reality when M/S Selandia was launched in 1912. Through the 19th century, the steam ship had revolutionised transport across the seven seas; but steamships had their weaknesses. They were not economical on fuel and their boiler installations took up a lot of space which could otherwise have been used for cargo. A solution to these problems had to be found.This book tells how the vision of building an oceangoing motor ship was accomplished. For EAC and B&W, the Selandia represented a competition breakthrough which led to long-term collaboration between the company, the shipyard and the engine builder.