Wärtsilä will commercially launch its Two-Stroke Future Fuels Conversion platform during the first quarter of 2022. This engine combustion technology platform will enable the conversion of two-stroke main engines to operate on clean-burning future fuels.
The retrofit conversion will initially enable operation with currently available LNG fuel, most importantly with negligible methane slip from the engine. The modular design of this concept provides a platform that will be further developed in order to allow for the adoption of alternative green fuels or fuel blends when they become commercially available.
The development programme has recently been concluded with successful initial engine tests in the Wärtsilä two-stroke engine laboratory in Trieste. MSC Shipmanagement has collaborated with Wärtsilä during the development as a key partner in the piloting and advancement of the platform towards future fuel applications.
This 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
stated Roger Holm, President Marine Power & EVP Wärtsilä Corporation.
Moreover, Prabhat Jha, CEO & Group Managing Director MSC Shipmanagement, added that the two partners have “high expectations for the next steps of this initiative, which starts with technology demonstration on one of MSC’s larger container vessels.”
A world-first feature of the concept is the cryogenic fuel supply system, which together with an injection system, provides optimised operational performance under all conditions. Among the other notable benefits delivered by this solution are the capability to comply with upcoming environmental regulations and therefore providing assets with an extended operational life.
The first commercial conversion project will be completed by mid-2023. The conversion concept is applicable to both large- and smaller bore engine types.
