Technology group Wärtsilä has launched an advanced methane slip reduction solution for its Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel (DF) engine, designed to optimize efficiency and significantly lower methane emissions. The innovation, which converts the 50DF engine to operate in spark gas (SG) mode, improves the combustion process when running on LNG, leading to up to 75% less methane emission compared to the standard engine model.
The “Spark Gas Conversion for Wärtsilä 50DF” introduces an electrically controlled pre-combustion chamber valve that refines the combustion process. As a result, this solution reduces methane emissions to as low as 1.1% of the total fuel used, according to IMO weighted (E2-cycle) averages.
Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine & Executive Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation, emphasized the importance of LNG in cutting methane emissions: “The use of LNG and reducing methane emissions are among the most effective ways to decrease overall greenhouse gas emissions from marine engines, complementing efforts to reduce CO2 output.” He added that the new technology is a key milestone in the shipping industry’s pursuit of more sustainable operations.
The solution, developed in collaboration with Chevron Shipping Company, will see the conversion of one engine on six Chevron LNG carriers from DF to SG. This is part of Chevron’s broader goal to reduce the carbon intensity of its operations.
Available for all vessels with existing Wärtsilä 50DF diesel-electric propulsion, particularly LNG carriers, the technology is optimized for LNG fuel, yielding up to 4.6% fuel savings and a more efficient energy output per unit of fuel.
Holm further stated, “Wärtsilä has a proven track record in reducing methane slip, not only for new vessels but also through retrofitting existing installations. This latest technology adds to our extensive range of solutions aimed at minimizing methane emissions from marine vessels.”
With over three decades of expertise in LNG technology, Wärtsilä continues to lead in providing top-tier performance, offering both dual-fuel flexibility and the superior efficiency of single-fuel SG engines.