Wärtsilä will introduce another four methanol engines to its portfolio. In addition to the Wärtsilä 32 methanol engine launched last year, Wärtsilä will add the Wärtsilä 20, 31, 46F and 46TS to its range of engines capable of operating with methanol fuel.
Methanol is one of the primary alternative fuel choices for the shipping industry to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. For example, “green” methanol can be produced using renewable energy sources and carbon capture technology, making it a sustainable and carbon-neutral option.
It can also be rather easily integrated into existing shipping operations as it can be stored and transported using the existing infrastructure for conventional liquid fuels.
Also read: Wärtsilä launches world’s first 4-stroke ammonia engine
Methanol retrofits
Throughout the Wärtsilä diesel engine portfolio, covering both new engines, as well as those currently in operation, Wärtsilä is developing the corresponding methanol retrofit capabilities. Methanol upgrades are either available or under development for the Wärtsilä 31, 32, 46F, 46TS and ZA40S engines. Whereas the Wärtsilä 20 engine family can be ordered with methanol combustion capabilities.
By making these engines capable of running on methanol fuel, Wärtsilä has expanded its methanol offering to a wide range of vessel types across the marine industry.
Wärtsilä converted the first of four engines on the ferry Stena Germanica in 2015. Last year, the Wärtsilä 32 Methanol engine and MethanolPac storage and supply system were launched, becoming one of the first commercially available solutions for using methanol as a fuel in the maritime industry. The 32 Methanol engine has received type approval certificates from several classification societies.
Also read: New Wärtsilä engine reduces methane emissions
From 2025
The four new methanol engines will be available for deliveries at different points from 2025 onwards.
Also read: Furetank and Wärtsilä can halve methane slip
Picture: Wärtsilä will introduce another four methanol engines to its portfolio, setting a new industry benchmark with the broadest methanol engine portfolio currently on the market (picture by Wärtsilä Corporation).
Finnish maritime industry in SWZ|Maritime
Don’t miss out on SWZ|Maritime’s upcoming December 2023 Finland special. Finland with only 5.5 million inhabitants has remained a major maritime player over the years. In SWZ|Maritime’s special, we take a closer look at the country’s maritime industry including the major shipyards like Meyer Turku and Helsinki Shipyard, but we also show the latest feats of equipment suppliers and engineering firms like Wärtsilä, ABB and Aker Arctic. Not yet a subscriber? Become one today!
