Finnish technology group Wärtsilä is cooperating with the Finnish Border Guard in the testing of bioLNG as fuel for a Coastguard patrol vessel. The aim is to lower GHG emissions, thereby lessening the impact on global warming.
The 96-metre long vessel ‘Turva’ is fitted with Wärtsilä dual-fuel engines and the bioLNG fuel is supplied by state-owned biogas refiner Gasum.
The strategy for the Border Guard’s fleet of patrol vessels is to switch to environmentally sustainable fuels wherever possible. Testing the Bio LNG in the ‘Turva’ is an important step forward in fulfilling this strategy,
…says Commander Marko Aheristo from the Finnish Border Guard.
Bio LNG is a 100% renewable fuel that can reduce CO2 emissions over its life cycle by up to 90% compared to conventional fuel. It emits no particulate matter (PM), and close to zero nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx).
After close evaluation of the Bio LNG fuel specifications provided by Gasum, Wärtsilä validated it as a viable fuel choice, so the Finnish Border Guard opted to proceed with the testing programme.
LNG is already broadly accepted as a viable marine fuel, and we see Bio LNG as a natural next step. We are, therefore, extremely supportive of this testing programme,
…adds Juha Kytölä, R&D and Engineering, Wärtsilä Marine Power.
