Wärtsilä launches methane slip reduction solution

Wärtsilä has launched a methane slip reduction solution for its 50DF

dual-fuel engine, converting it to spark gas (SG) operation.

According to Wärtsilä, this technology optimises combustion, improving

efficiency and reducing methane emissions by up to 75 per cent compared to the

standard engine when running on LNG.

The Spark Gas Conversion introduces an electrically controlled

pre-combustion chamber valve, further enhancing combustion.

On an IMO weighted (E2-cycle) average, this solution reduces methane

emissions to just 1.1 per cent of fuel use.

Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine & Executive Vice President at

Wärtsilä Corporation, said: “The use of LNG and cutting methane emissions is one

of the most effective ways to decrease overall GHG emissions from marine engines

over the next decade, complementing other efforts to reduce CO2 emissions.

“As the shipping industry strives for more sustainable operations, this new

solution represents an important milestone on the road to advancing lower carbon

fleets.”

In March, Wärtsilä unveiled the Methanol Power and Control (PAC) simulation

model, in partnership with the Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) and

Wavelink Maritime Institute.

The model, designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency for

methanol-powered vessels, is the first of its kind.

Wavelink Maritime Institute will be the first MPA-accredited training

partner to use this simulation model, which will be officially launched at SMW

2025.