- Wärtsilä introduces NextDF technology to its high-efficiency 46TS-DF dual-fuel engine, significantly cutting methane emissions to as low as 1.1%, well below industry standards.
- The upgraded engine is optimized for lower NOx and CO₂ emissions, offering vessel operators a future-proof and fuel-flexible solution.
- The first installation will be on MSC World Asia, supporting IMO and EU decarbonisation goals through the EU co-funded GREEN RAY project.
Technology group Wärtsilä has extended its advanced NextDF emission-reducing feature to its Wärtsilä 46TS-DF dual-fuel engine, the third engine in its portfolio to benefit from this innovation. The technology significantly reduces methane slip to less than 1.4% of fuel use across all load points, achieving as low as 1.1% in wide operating ranges, three times lower than the current FuelEU Maritime and IMO Lifecycle Guidelines benchmark of 3.1%.
Performance and Sustainability Gains
The NextDF upgrade not only addresses methane emissions—a critical concern in LNG usage—but also lowers NOx and CO₂ emissions by optimizing combustion control and overall engine performance. This makes LNG—a key transition fuel—a more sustainable choice for vessel operators aiming to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the next decade.
Engine Features and Market Readiness
Launched in 2022, the Wärtsilä 46TS-DF is equipped with two-stage turbocharging, delivering high efficiency and power density across vessel segments. It’s retrofit-ready for future sustainable fuels, offering unmatched flexibility in the 1MW+/cylinder power range. The new version with NextDF will debut onboard the MSC World Asia cruise ship, currently under construction by Chantiers de l’Atlantique for MSC Cruises.
A Strategic Step Toward Decarbonisation
Stefan Nysjö, Wärtsilä Marine’s VP of Power Supply, stated, “NextDF technology reduces the environmental impact of vessels that use LNG as fuel, without compromising on performance or operational stability. It helps ship owners meet increasingly stringent regulations.”
This development is part of the EU-funded GREEN RAY project, which supports maritime innovation aligned with decarbonisation strategies. With the earlier integration of NextDF into Wärtsilä 31DF and 25DF engines in 2023–2024, the 46TS-DF’s upgrade marks a continued commitment to next-generation engine solutions for a greener maritime industry.
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Source: Wärtsilä
