Innovation 07-12-2023
Blue economy, Energy Transition

Wärtsilä launches four new methanol engines

Wärtsilä will introduce another four methanol engines to its portfolio. In addition to the Wärtsilä 32 methanol engine launched last year, Wärtsilä will add the Wärtsilä 20, 31, 46F and 46TS to its range of engines capable of operating with methanol fuel.

 

Methanol is one of the primary alternative fuel choices for the shipping industry to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. For example, “green” methanol can be produced using renewable energy sources and carbon capture technology, making it a sustainable and carbon-neutral option.

 

It can also be rather easily integrated into existing shipping operations as it can be stored and transported using the existing infrastructure for conventional liquid fuels.

 

Methanol retrofits

Throughout the Wärtsilä diesel engine portfolio, covering both new engines, as well as those currently in operation, Wärtsilä is developing the corresponding methanol retrofit capabilities. Methanol upgrades are either available or under development for the Wärtsilä 31, 32, 46F, 46TS and ZA40S engines. Whereas the Wärtsilä 20 engine family can be ordered with methanol combustion capabilities.

 

By making these engines capable of running on methanol fuel, Wärtsilä has expanded its methanol offering to a wide range of vessel types across the marine industry.

 

Wärtsilä converted the first of four engines on the ferry Stena Germanica in 2015. Last year, the Wärtsilä 32 Methanol engine and MethanolPac storage and supply system were launched, becoming one of the first commercially available solutions for using methanol as a fuel in the maritime industry. The 32 Methanol engine has received type approval certificates from several classification societies.

 

From 2025

The four new methanol engines will be available for deliveries at different points from 2025 onwards.

 

Source: SWZ Maritime