The Finnish tech company has introduced the marine sector's first commercially available 4-stroke engine-based solution for ammonia fuel.
In addition to the engine, the full solution includes an AmmoniaPac fuel gas supply system, the Wärtsilä Ammonia Release Mitigation System (WARMS), and the Wärtsilä NOx Reducer (NOR).
The company also provides dedicated training and 24/7 global support.
According to the manufacturer, Wärtsilä 25 ammonia can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 70% compared to a similar sized diesel solution.
"The ammonia solution is based on Wärtsilä's well-proven LNG [liquefied natural gas] 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. This makes Wärtsilä 25 a thoroughly future-proof engine platform that combines operational efficiency with environmental sustainability," highlighted Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä's Marine Power.
Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply, Wärtsilä Marine Power, added, "This is only the beginning. 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 emissions even further in the future."
Earlier in November 2023, a letter of intent for the Wärtsilä 25 ammonia engine solution was signed between Wärtsilä and Viridis Bulk Carriers (a JV between Amon Maritime, Mosvolds Rederi and Navigare Logistics). The signing of a commercial contract is expected in early 2024, making the ship owner the first to use Wärtsilä's ammonia engines.
Viridis Bulk Carriers intends to become the world's first zero-emission shipping company, offering to that end carbon-free transportation with a series of ammonia-powered newbuilds.
André Risholm, Viridis Bulk Carriers' Board Member, commented, "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."
Photo: Wärtsilä