Wärtsilä Corporation is propelling the maritime industry further towards sustainable practices with the introduction of four new methanol engines. This expansion cements Wärtsilä’s position as an industry leader, boasting the most extensive methanol engine portfolio currently available in the market.
Methanol Engines: A Key Player in Carbon Neutrality
Methanol emerges as a pivotal player in the shipping sector’s quest to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Wärtsilä’s commitment to this cause is evident with the addition of the Wärtsilä 20, Wärtsilä 31, Wärtsilä 46F, and Wärtsilä 46TS engines to their existing Wärtsilä 32 methanol engine, launched last year. The move aligns seamlessly with the industry’s transition to alternative fuels.
Methanol, particularly the ‘green’ variant produced using renewable energy and carbon capture technology, presents itself as a sustainable and carbon-neutral fuel choice. Its adaptability to existing shipping operations, leveraging current infrastructure for conventional liquid fuels, adds to its appeal.
Retrofit Capabilities Across the Spectrum
Wärtsilä’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond new engines, covering the entire spectrum of their diesel engine portfolio. The company is actively developing methanol retrofit capabilities for engines like Wärtsilä 31, Wärtsilä 32, Wärtsilä 46F, Wärtsilä 46TS, and Wärtsilä ZA40S. Notably, the Wärtsilä 20 engine family is available for order with built-in methanol combustion capabilities. This comprehensive approach ensures that a wide array of vessel types can seamlessly integrate methanol into their operations.
Wärtsilä’s Innovative Stance
Decarbonization, Wärtsilä’s strategic vision, as emphasized by Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä’s Marine Power business. The commitment to developing engines compatible with future fuels is pivotal in steering the marine industry towards sustainable operations. Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply at Wärtsilä Marine Power, highlights the company’s innovative approach and the significance of providing ship owners with operational flexibility amidst the industry’s journey to net-zero emissions.
Track Record
Wärtsilä’s venture into methanol engines isn’t a recent development. The company converted the first of four engines on the Stena Germanica ferry in 2015, showcasing early commitment to alternative fuels. Last year’s launch of the Wärtsilä 32 Methanol engine, coupled with the MethanolPac storage and supply system, marked a significant milestone, presenting one of the first commercially available solutions for methanol usage in the maritime industry. The Wärtsilä 32 Methanol engine has since received type approval certificates from multiple classification societies.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of these four new methanol engines is set to revolutionize the maritime industry. The engines will be available for deliveries starting from 2025, offering ship owners a tangible pathway to embrace sustainable fuel options. Wärtsilä’s expansive experience and continued investments in fuel-flexible technologies underscore their long-term commitment to steering the maritime industry towards a greener future.
