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Wärtsilä will upgrade the RT-flex main engines on two Ulusoy Sealines bulk carriers, enhancing performance and aligning with modern emission standards.
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The retrofit will include technologies such as WPLO, ICC, and FAST, resulting in a projected 5% improvement in Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and annual CO₂ reductions of around 780 tons per vessel.
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Fuel savings are estimated at nearly 250 tons per year per ship, leading to over $150,000 in annual cost savings.
Technology group Wärtsilä has announced plans to retrofit and upgrade the RT-flex main engines of two bulk carriers operated by Turkey-based Ulusoy Sealines. The goal of this initiative is to modernize engine performance and significantly improve fuel efficiency, thus extending the vessels’ service life while contributing to emissions reductions. The orders were officially recorded in Wärtsilä’s Q4 2024 and Q1 2025 order books, according to Wärtsilä.
Addressing Evolving Efficiency Regulations
In light of tightening environmental regulations such as the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), shipowners are increasingly required to improve vessel energy efficiency. The two Ulusoy vessels, originally delivered in 2011, have experienced changes in operational patterns over time. The engine upgrades are tailored to match these evolving profiles, thereby ensuring compliance and better performance.
Advanced Technology Integration and Measurable Benefits
The retrofit includes Wärtsilä Part Load Optimisation (WPLO), Intelligent Combustion Control (ICC), and Fuel Actuated Sackless Technology (FAST). These enhancements are projected to yield a 5% improvement in CII, which effectively extends the vessels’ CII rating lifespan by two years. Moreover, each ship is expected to save nearly 250 tons of fuel annually, translating to approximately $150,000 in operational savings and 780 tons of CO₂ emissions avoided per year.
Longstanding Partnership Supports Green Goals
Ulusoy Sealines emphasized its commitment to sustainable operations, stating that these upgrades offer valuable enhancements by integrating cutting-edge solutions into existing vessels. “We continuously strive to operate our fleet in the most environmentally friendly and efficient manner possible,” said Capt. A. Akin Ozcorekci, DPA–OPR Manager at Ulusoy.
Project Timeline and Execution
The collaboration reflects a longstanding partnership between Wärtsilä and Ulusoy, aiming to maintain high operational and environmental standards. Wärtsilä’s Director of 2-Stroke & Other OEM Services, Peter Knaapen, noted that the upgrades blend both proven and newly developed technologies, all tailored to the ships’ unique operational needs. The necessary equipment for the vessels—ULUSOY 11 and ULUSOY 12—is scheduled for delivery during the first half of 2025.
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Source: Wärtsilä
