In a bid to ensure compliance and ensure improved operational performance, Wärtsilä Corporation has conducted an internal audit of test processes globally, which revealed deviations in a certain number of fuel consumption tests of marine engines in Wärtsilä’s Delivery Centre in Trieste, Italy.
On average, the deviations are 1% of fuel consumption and a total of 2% of all Wartsila engine deliveries may have been affected.
However, engines for power plant customers were not impacted, and there has been no evidence of deviations in other operations.
According to a company press release, the customer impact of the deviations is minimal as the engines have fulfilled the regulatory and classification requirements, with potentially affected vessels meeting sea trial requirements.
Wärtsilä's marine engine sales represented 12% of annual group revenues in 2015.
According to an estimate by Wärtsilä management, the financial impact of this issue is not material.
Based on the analysis, the deviations have been caused by a limited number of personnel, who have acted against work instructions and code of conduct by influencing the test results.
In order to secure new transparent processes and controls, Wärtsilä has reviewed all test procedures, and taken immediate corrective actions where deviations have been found.
Jaakko Eskola, President and CEO at Wärtsilä Corporation, said: “Wärtsilä requires all its employees to act in accordance with internal guidelines as well as laws and regulations.
“We deeply apologise for any loss in trust caused by this violation to our policies and corporate values, and we will immediately start reaching out to our customers.”
