Finnish engine manufacturer Wärtsilä has unveiled the first commercially available four-stroke engine.
The ammonia solution is now commercially available as part of the 25-engine platform, which was launched in September 2022. Viridis Bulk Carriers is the first shipping company to use this propulsion[ds_preview].
The company is a partnership between Amon Maritime, Mosvolds Rederi and Navigare Logistics. Earlier this month, the propulsion specialist and Viridis Bulk Carriers signed a letter of intent for the 25 ammonia engine solution, with the aim of signing a commercial contract in early 2024.
Wärtsilä engines for short-haul transportation
Viridis Bulk Carriers is planning a carbon-free transportation service in the European short sea market. This will be based on a series of new vessels powered by ammonia.
“The shipping industry must significantly reduce its emissions if we are to meet the targets set out in the Paris Agreement. The introduction of new technologies and ammonia as a carbon-free fuel is central to this,” said André Risholm, board member of Viridis Bulk Carriers. “We are delighted to be working with Wärtsilä on another important milestone for our ammonia-powered short sea carriers.”
Håkan Agnevall, President and CEO of Wärtsilä, says: “Wärtsilä is leading the way in shaping the decarbonization of the shipping and energy industries. This industry-leading solution is another milestone in Wärtsilä’s extensive program to ensure that future marine fuels are both profitable and safe. Together with Viridis Bulk Carriers, we are taking the next step in our decarbonization journey by enabling the transition to greener fuels and accelerating the path to zero-emission shipping.”
AmmoniaPac is part of the scope of delivery
In addition to the engine, the complete solution includes an AmmoniaPac fuel gas supply system, the Wärtsilä Ammonia Release Mitigation System (WARMS) and the NOx Reducer (NOR) for optimal exhaust gas aftertreatment. Safety and efficiency are at the heart of the solution concept, which is maximized by a sophisticated automation system and a maintenance contract to ensure safe and efficient operation on board, according to the manufacturer. The safe and smooth introduction of ammonia as a new fuel for crew members will also be supported by specialized training and 24/7 global support.
“The ammonia solution is based on Wärtsilä’s proven LNG system, with which we have gained invaluable experience. The Wärtsilä 25 engine has been designed to run smoothly on sustainable fuels, and we are proud that we can now include ammonia in its specifications, in addition to its previous ability to run on diesel, LNG, gas or liquid carbon-neutral biofuels. This makes the Wärtsilä 25 a thoroughly future-proof engine platform that combines operational efficiency with environmental sustainability,” adds Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä’s Marine Power business unit.
According to the company, further ammonia engines will gradually be added to the portfolio. But it is also determined to continue developing and testing technologies and solutions that can help the industry to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the future.
