- Wärtsilä expanded its methanol engines.
- Methanol stands out as a key alternative fuel for shipping.
- Wärtsilä is actively developing methanol retrofit capabilities.
Wärtsilä, a leading technology group, is expanding its range of methanol engines, introducing four new engines—Wärtsilä 20, 31, 46F, and 46TS—to their portfolio, establishing a benchmark in the industry for the widest array of methanol-compatible engines available, reports wartsila.
Key Alternative
Methanol stands out as a key alternative fuel for the shipping sector in achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Its ‘green’ variant, produced using renewable energy and carbon capture tech, offers a sustainable, carbon-neutral option, easily fitting into existing shipping operations due to compatibility with conventional fuel infrastructure.
Retrofit
Wärtsilä is actively developing methanol retrofit capabilities across its diesel engine portfolio, including existing and new engines. Retrofit options or in-progress developments are in place for engines like Wärtsilä 31, 32, 46F, 46TS, and ZA40S, while the Wärtsilä 20 family can now be ordered with methanol combustion capabilities. This expands methanol options across diverse vessel types in the marine industry.
Review
Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä’s Marine Power business, underscores the company’s strategy centered on decarbonization, emphasizing the significance of developing engines compatible with future fuels. Stefan Nysjö, VP of Power Supply at Wärtsilä Marine Power, highlights the company’s commitment to offering maximum flexibility to ship owners as they navigate towards net zero emissions.
Converted Engines
Wärtsilä’s strong track record and investments in new fuel-flexible technologies underscore its commitment to supporting the marine industry’s transformation toward sustainable operations. They are among the few with extensive experience in methanol engines, having converted engines on the ferry Stena Germanica in 2015, and launching the commercially available Wärtsilä 32 Methanol engine and MethanolPac storage system last year, earning type approval certificates from multiple classification societies.
Deliveries of the four new methanol engines are expected at various points starting from 2025, further solidifying Wärtsilä’s dedication to maritime decarbonization.
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Source: Wärtsilä
