Stena contract highlights engine manufacturer’s growing influence in the methanol engine conversion sector
Since last year Wärtsilä has been working closely with the ferry operator Stena Line on a contract for the conversion of some of its vessels to operate on methanol, as part of a broader decarbonisation strategy. The project involves modifying fuel supply systems, engine adaptations and integration with existing ship systems. Wärtsilä will supply a range of components including instrumentation, valves, pump units, and automation as part of these projects.
Following on from the conversion of the Stena Germanica to run on methanol eight years ago, which also involved Wärtsilä technology, these latest conversions are scheduled to take place in 2025. Once installed they will ensure Stena Line’s compliance with the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), FuelEU Maritime and IMO 2050 GHG reduction targets.
In addition, in the past year Wärtsilä has also announced cooperation with Royal Caribbean Group and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique to convert two Wärtsilä 46F engines to allow Celebrity Cruises’ new ship to utilise methanol as fuel. This marks the first-ever such conversion for this particular engine type, the company notes.
Looking to the future Wärtsilä has developed a number of new technologies to help facilitate vessel conversion and retrofit projects. Noteworthy advancements include the versatile Wärtsilä 25 engine, capable of operating with diesel, LNG and liquid biofuels, as well as being adaptable to carbon-free fuels such as ammonia, and the Wärtsilä 32 methanol engine. The company has also broadened its methanol-burning capabilities by introducing another four methanol engines to its portfolio.
Furthermore, throughout the Wärtsilä diesel engine portfolio, covering both new engines as well as those currently in operation, Wärtsilä is developing corresponding methanol retrofit capabilities. Methanol upgrades are either available or under development for the Wärtsilä 31, Wärtsilä 32, Wärtsilä 46F, Wärtsilä 46TS and Wärtsilä ZA40S engines, while the Wärtsilä 20 engine series can be ordered with methanol combustion capabilities.
Wärtsilä has also introduced retrofit solutions such as Fit4Fuels and Fit4Power, which are designed to enhance engine efficiency and extend emissions-compliant lifetimes. “Our ongoing research and development focuses on achieving true fuel flexibility, with our Fit4Fuels platform converting two-stroke diesel engines for future fuels, and the Fit4Power radical derating retrofit providing mid-life engines with optimised performance to meet changing emission targets,” says Giulio Tirelli, director of business development at Wärtsilä Marine.
Wärtsilä envisions a growing market for fuel conversion and retrofit projects in the next few years. According to Tirelli: “Increasing demand for fuel conversion technology, enabling different vessel types to run on dual fuels and alternative fuels to help meet emissions reduction targets, is essential to ensuring alignment with current and future regulations. The main constraints lie in the diverse challenges of modifying vessels running on traditional fuels while factors such as existing fuel types, load profiles, certification, and safety requirements contribute to the complexity of these projects.”
The company is further developing various new engine technologies to assist with meeting decarbonisation goals, including engines capable of running on alternative low- and zero-carbon fuel. Tirelli says: “We are continuing to invest in developing and delivering further dual fuel and alternative fuel products to enable smooth retrofit planning and implementation for existing vessels across the world’s fleet. We aim to ensure a smooth and efficient pathway for our customers towards a decarbonised future.”
