Finnish-based smart technology manufacturer Wärtsilä is to launch its Two-Stroke Future Fuels Conversion platform during the first quarter of 2022. MSC Shipmanagement played a key role in the development of this platform.
The conversion platform will enable the fast and cost-effective conversion of two-stroke main engines to operate on clean-burning future fuels. The development programme has recently concluded with successful initial engine tests in the Wärtsilä two-stroke engine laboratory in Trieste, Italy.
This is seen as a major step in the maritime industry’s efforts to decarbonise shipping operations.
“Wärtsilä has taken a leading position in the development and delivery of smart technology solutions that will accelerate the realisation of our industry’s decarbonisation ambitions,” said Roger Holm, President of Maritime Power & EVP at the Wärtsilä Corporation.
“The pioneering conversion solution is one more prime example of our capabilities and commitment. Its flexibility means that the first step towards adopting the use of future fuels can be taken now knowing that the investment will not become obsolete. The benefits, both economic and environmental, are significant.”
MSC Shipmanagement has collaborated on the project throughout the development as a key partner in the piloting and advancement of the platform towards future fuel applications. Representatives from the company were also in attendance during the testing procedures.
Prabhat Jha, CEO and Group Managing Director for MSC Shipmanagement, added “We have been following the development of this innovative conversion solution with high interest and we regard it as a supporting element in MSC’s journey towards net-zero decarbonisation by 2050.
“Together with Wärtsilä, we have high expectations for the next steps of this initiative, which starts with technology demonstration on one of our larger container vessels with a Wärtsilä RT-flex96C-B main engine, and which will continue to make our existing feet ready to meet future emission needs.”
Furthering its attempts to decarbonise the shipping industry, it was previously announced that Wärtsilä is to build a zero-emission, autonomous intra-port, intra-terminal container barge for the Port of Rotterdam to alleviate container traffic bottlenecks and congestion.
Announced in May 2021, the company said it will use several of its latest solutions as part of the barge installation, including the SmartMove Suite, which provides sensor technology with navigation systems for safe, automated ship movement.
