Finland – During the first quarter of 2022, Wärtsilä will commercially launch its Two-Stroke Future Fuels Conversion platform.
This ground-breaking and patented engine combustion technology platform will allow for the quick and cost-effective conversion of two-stroke main engines to run on clean-burning future fuels. This is seen as a significant step forward in the maritime industry’s efforts to achieve decarbonised shipping operations, while the ease of retrofitting will save owners from having to face lengthy off-hire charter time.
The retrofit conversion will initially allow operation with currently available LNG fuel, most importantly with negligible engine methane slip. This concept’s modular design provides a platform that will be further developed to allow for the adoption of alternative green fuels or fuel blends when they become commercially available.
The development program was recently completed with the successful completion of initial engine tests at the Wärtsilä two-stroke engine laboratory in Trieste. MSC Shipmanagement has worked with Wärtsilä as a key partner in the platform’s piloting and advancement towards future fuel applications throughout its development. MSC representatives were present during some of the testing procedures.
The concept’s cryogenic fuel supply system, combined with a revolutionary injection system, provides flexible and optimized operational performance under all conditions. Among the other notable benefits provided by this future-proofing solution is the ability to comply with upcoming environmental regulations, giving assets a longer operational life.
The conversion solution is intended for ships that use two-stroke, electronically controlled engines. To provide a complete turnkey solution, the concept can be combined with Wärtsilä’s market-leading Fuel Gas Supply System. This will broaden the company’s offering of fuel-flexible options, allowing it to better meet the decarbonisation goals of its customers.
The first commercial conversion project is expected to be completed by the middle of 2023. The conversion concept works for both large- and small-bore engines.
