The future is not electric or hydrogen: This fuel comes from the Arctic, and the first engine has been unveiled

The Finnish technology company Wartsila made a significant leap toward decarbonizing shipping by unveiling the first commercially available 4-stroke engine-based ammonia fuel. This new development is a remarkable improvement in the green shipping division aiming to meet the innovation of environmentally friendly fuel demanded by the shipowners. This ammonia-burning engine results from the company’s dedication to innovation and environmentalism, offering an exciting new prospect in marine fuel with considerably less greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fuel sources.

How Wartsila’s ammonia engine reduces emissions by up to 70% from day one

Wartsila’s ammonia engine can effectively decrease the emissions of greenhouse gases by 70 per cent or more within the first day.

The body of Wartsila’s newly launched solution encompasses three key aspects: respectively, through the principles of sustainability, safety, and innovation. First, it is essential to understand that the solution is highly sustainable. Wartsila’s ammonia engine can instantly achieve greenhouse emission cuts of over 70 per cent on a well-to-wake basis compared to a similar diesel engine, consistent with the EU’s emission goals up to 2050 and over IMO’s goals for 2040.

Such a significant decrease in emissions is indispensable to contribute to the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, ammonia, a carbon-free fuel, is an excellent example of how Wartsila is trying to develop other fuels to address the shipping industry’s challenges. Ammonia used in the Wartsila 25 engine platform is a sign of a better future for the maritime sector, and it speaks volumes about Wartsila and sustainability through innovations.

The innovative safety features integrated into Wartsila’s ammonia engine system

Wartsila has also integrated a high-tech automation system and a maintenance contract.

The non-toxic feature of ammonia is another primary concern that Wartsila has emphasized in developing its solution. Some of the precautions in the new engine platform are as follows to enhance safety in using ammonia on a ship. In conjunction with the combustion process, it has a fuel gas supply system known as AmmoniaPac fueled by ammonia, a post-combustion emission control system called the Wartsila Ammonia Release Mitigation System (WARMS), and finally, a NOx reduction system known as the Wartsila NOx Reducer (NOR) to ensure that the exhaust after-treatment is effective.

These systems are to minimize the dangers of ammonia, a fuel that is environmentally friendly but toxic and corrosive in its handling. A comprehensive automation system and a maintenance agreement exist for safe and efficient on-board activities. It has also provided crew training and dedicated 24/7 worldwide support to ensure that the transition to ammonia as a new fuel is seamless and safe, as it emphasizes the importance of safety and efficiency in operations toward the realization of the maritime industry’s goal and vision.

Wartsila’s ongoing commitment to advancing ammonia engine technology for the future

It is important to note that Wartsila is not ceasing to introduce this engine; the company is determined to continue doing so.

Innovation has been identified through the Wartsila ammonia engine solution in which Wartsila redesigns the Wartsila 25 engine for suitable operation with sustainable fuels, hence emphasizing Wartsila’s support for the future of marine power. Initially designed for diesel, LNG, and carbon-neutral binarized, this engine platform will now encompass ammonia, making it a new-generation engine solution that is both powerful and green. This ammonia solution results from extensive knowledge Wartsila has with supplying LNG systems, guaranteeing that the developed system will be of high performance and durability.

Besides, Wartsila does not cease to introduce this engine; instead, the firm is actively working on other future ammonia engines and technologies. This continuous improvement will also aid the industry’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years, ensuring Wartsila remains a crucial player in the journey towards a decarbonized maritime sector.

Why Wartsila’s ammonia engine is a groundbreaking step towards a greener shipping industry

Consequently, Wartsila’s development of the first 4-stroke engine-based ammonia fuel solution is a groundbreaking move toward more sustainable shipping. Wartsila has taken the most strategic areas that define the maritime industry’s future with regard to fuels, namely sustainability, safety, and innovation.

The new ammonia engine complies with today’s and future emissions requirements while offering a solution for environmentally friendly and safe marine fuel. While the industry remains looking for the best way to reduce emissions, the inventive ammonia-burning system from Wartsila marks the progress. The marked progress could be made shortly and paints the picture of a more sustainable and decarbonized shipping sector.

Given that innovations are continuously being worked on, Wartsila is well-placed to chart a course for the maritime industry’s further efforts in attaining net-zero emissions.