Written by
Nick Blenkey
Wärtsilä’s new ultra-low emissions model of the Wärtsilä 31DF engine [ Image: © Wärtsilä]
Wärtsilä has launched a brand new ultra-low emissions model of its Wärtsilä 31DF engine, first launched in 2015. When working on LNG, this new model of the twin gas engine can additional cut back methane emissions on a 50% load level by as much as 56% and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by as much as 86%. On a weighted common, the engine’s new know-how can cut back methane emissions by 41% greater than the usual Wärtsilä 31DF engine, which is claimed to have already got the bottom emission ranges available on the market.
Though methane slip from LNG-fueled engines is comparatively small quantity from a share standpoint, methane is a considerably stronger greenhouse gasoline than CO2 – as much as 28 occasions better. Reducing methane emissions is broadly seen as necessary to the way forward for LNG as a clear gas.
The brand new model, which has been utilized on one of many 4 engines on board Wasaline’s Aurora Botnia ferry, has already helped the Finnish-Swedish ferry operator additional cut back the ferry’s methane emissions by 10%. As a part of the EU co-funded Inexperienced Ray and SeaTech tasks, Wärtsilä piloted the ultra-low emissions idea onboard the Aurora Botnia with distinctive outcomes verified by an unbiased research performed in December 2022 by VTT, the Technical Analysis Heart of Finland.
Inspired by the optimistic outcomes of the pilot, Wärtsilä has now launched the brand new ultra-low emissions model of the Wärtsilä 31DF engine on the business market.
This newest pilot is a part of a long-term partnership between Wärtsilä and Wasaline to scale back emissions onboard the Aurora Botnia
“We’re very dedicated to decarbonisation, and we’ve labored intently with Wärtsilä to make sustainable transport a actuality. It’s a goal-oriented partnership that advantages each corporations, in addition to the business as a complete,” mentioned Wasaline managing director Peter Ståhlberg. “We’ve got been happy to permit the Aurora Botnia to be utilized as a floating laboratory, and we’re excited to see the success of this newest Wärtsilä know-how breakthrough.”
The usual model of the Wärtsilä 31DF engine platform already meets right now’s regulatory necessities. The brand new model will allow operators to go even additional in decreasing methane emissions, serving to to futureproof their vessels in the long term in opposition to probably tightening international necessities. What’s extra, says Wärtsilä, bettering twin gas know-how to allow methane emissions discount may have a significant affect on the long-term viability of LNG as a marine gas.
“Our work round decreasing methane slip and GHG emissions is a part of Wärtsilä’s effort to repeatedly enhance effectivity and cut back emissions of our merchandise, and this new innovation is yet one more essential step alongside the street to decarbonization,” commented Stefan Nysjö, vp of energy provide, Wärtsilä Marine Energy. “The constructing of an LNG gas infrastructure has been an necessary think about transport’s transition in direction of cleaner operations, and Wärtsilä continues to create options that help this journey. Our focus has all the time been to enhance and optimise present options, and to develop thrilling new ones. With this newest introduction, we’re clearly delivering on this dedication.”
