This news is classified in: Sustainable Energy Clean Transport
Nov 16, 2021
The technology group Wärtsilä will commercially launch its Two-Stroke Future Fuels Conversion platform during the first quarter of 2022. This innovative and patented engine combustion technology platform will enable two-stroke main engines’ fast and cost-effective conversion to operate on clean-burning future fuels. This is seen as a significant step in the maritime industry’s efforts to achieve decarbonized shipping operations. At the same time, the easy retrofitting will avoid owners having to face long off-hire charter time.
The retrofit conversion will initially enable operation with currently available LNG fuel, most notably with negligible methane slip from the engine. The modular design of this concept provides a platform that will be further developed to allow for the adoption of alternative green fuels or fuel blends when they become commercially available.
The development program has recently been concluded with successful initial engine tests in the Wärtsilä two-stroke engine laboratory in Trieste. MSC Shipmanagement has collaborated with Wärtsilä throughout the development as a key partner in the piloting and advancement of the platform towards future fuel applications. Representatives from MSC were in attendance during some of the testing procedures.
By Power Rating (Less than 40 Kw, 40 Kw-80 Kw, and More than 80 Kw), By Motor Type (Brushless Motors, DC Brushed Motors, Induction (Asynchronous) Motors, Switched Reluctance Motors, and Synchronous Motors), By Demand Category (OEM and Aftermarket), By Region, Competition, 2019-2029F
Download free sample pages“Wärtsilä has taken a leading position in the development and delivery of smart technology solutions that will accelerate the realisation of our industry’s decarbonisation ambitions. This pioneering conversion solution is one more prime example of our capabilities and commitment. Its flexibility means that the first step towards adopting the use of future fuels can be taken now knowing that the investment will not become obsolete. The benefits, both economic and environmental, are significant,” says Roger Holm, President Marine Power & EVP Wärtsilä Corporation.
“We have been following the development of this innovative conversion solution with high interest and we regard it as a supporting element in MSC’s journey towards net zero decarbonisation by 2050. Together with Wärtsilä we have high expectations for the next steps of this initiative, which starts with technology demonstration on one of our larger container vessels with a Wärtsilä RT-flex96C-B main engine, and which will continue to make our existing fleet ready to meet future emissions needs,” says Prabhat Jha, CEO & Group Managing Director MSC Shipmanagement.
A world-first feature of the concept is the cryogenic fuel supply system, which, together with a revolutionary injection system, provides flexible and optimized operational performance under all conditions. Among the other notable benefits of this future-proofing solution is the capability to comply with upcoming environmental regulations and, therefore, provide assets with an extended operational life.
The conversion solution is aimed at vessels operating with a two-stroke, electronically controlled engines. The concept can be complemented with Wärtsilä’s market-leading Fuel Gas Supply System to provide a complete turnkey solution. This will expand the company’s offering of fuel-flexible options to help meet its customers’ decarbonization strategies.
The first commercial conversion project will be completed by mid-2023. The conversion concept applies to both large- and smaller bore engine types.
