Wärtsilä has initiated a major project to further develop its low-speed engine portfolio to include gas engines, alongside its medium-speed dual fuel engines, as part of the company’s strategy. A new test engine will be installed in the Trieste engine laboratory in Italy in March this year. Engine testing will commence shortly thereafter.
Alternative Fuel Solutions
The principal aim of the initiative is to strengthen the company’s position in gas engine technology. Today, the marine market is characterised by a growing awareness of the need for alternative fuel solutions that can reduce emissions while, at the same time, being commercially viable. Natural gas is currently the alternative fuel offering the biggest potential in this respect. LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) has also attracted some interest, but is not a commercially viable alternative due to its prohibitive price.
Dual-Fuel Flexibility
In a shipping market with alternative bunkers available, dual-fuel engine installations offer the flexibility much sought after by operators. With dual-fuel engines, operators are free to switch between gas or diesel fuels, depending upon price and bunkering availability.
