Wärtsilä has introduced the marine sector’s first commercially available four-stroke engine-based solution for ammonia fuel.
According to Wärtsilä, the new solution enables a significant advance in sustainable shipping operations – during a time in which ship owners are seeking viable options among green fuels.
The world’s first zero-emission shipping firm, Viridis Bulk Carriers, is expected to be the first shipowner to profit from the new ammonia solution.
Amon Maritime, Mosvolds Rederi, and Navigare Logistics have joined forces to form the firm. Wärtsilä and Viridis Bulk Carriers signed a Letter of Intent earlier this month for the Wärtsilä 25 ammonia engine system, with a commercial contract expected in early 2024.
Viridis Bulk Carriers is introducing a ‘green game changer’ to the European short sea bulk sector, with plans for a carbon-free shipping service based on a fleet of ammonia-powered newbuild vessels.
READ: Wärtsilä affirms new engine minimises methane slip by 41 per cent
André Risholm, Board Member at Viridis Bulk Carriers, said: “The maritime industry must significantly reduce its emissions if we are to succeed in reaching the goals set in the Paris agreement. The adoption of new technologies and ammonia as a carbon free fuel is central to this.
“We are delighted to partner with Wärtsilä on another important milestone for our ammonia-powered short sea bulk vessels.”
Håkan Agnevall, President and CEO of Wärtsilä said: “Wärtsilä is a leader in shaping the decarbonisation of marine and energy industries. This industry-leading solution is yet another flagship moment in Wärtsilä’s extensive programme to ensure future marine fuels are both viable and safe.
“Working in partnership with Viridis Bulk Carriers, we take the next step in our decarbonisation journey, enabling the transition to greener fuels and accelerating towards net-zero emissions shipping.”
In addition to the engine, the solution incorporates an AmmoniaPac fuel gas delivery system, the Wärtsilä Ammonia Release Mitigation System (WARMS), and the Wärtsilä NOx Reducer (NOR) for effective exhaust after-treatment.
To ensure safe and effective onboard operations, the solution design prioritises safety and efficiency, which is complemented by a highly advanced automation system and maintenance agreement.
Wärtsilä reveals that the safe and simple transfer of crew members to ammonia as a new fuel is further supported by specialised training and 24-hour global support.
READ: Wärtsilä delivers autonomous docking system to Seaspan
Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä’s Marine Power Business, stated: “The ammonia solution is based on Wärtsilä’s well-proven LNG system, from which we have gained invaluable experience.
“The Wärtsilä 25 engine has been designed for easy adoption of sustainable fuels and, now, in addition to its previous capability of operating on diesel, LNG, or on gas or liquid carbon-neutral biofuels, we are proud to add ammonia to its specifications.”
Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply, Wärtsilä Marine Power, noted: “The Wärtsilä 25 is the first Wärtsilä engine to run on ammonia as a fuel, and this is an important milestone, but we do not stop here.
“While we are planning for additional ammonia engines in our portfolio over time, we are also committed to continue development and testing of technologies and solutions that can continue to support the industry with reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions even further in the future.”
This month, Wärtsilä inaugurated its new workshop and Land & Sea Academy training facilities in Jakarta, Indonesia.
