Wärtsilä has introduced a new Spark Gas (SG) conversion technology for its Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel engines, which enhances combustion efficiency, boosts performance, and significantly reduces methane emissions. When operating on LNG, this technology is claimed to cut methane emissions by up to 75% compared to the standard Wärtsilä 50DF engine.
The new system incorporates an electrically controlled pre-combustion chamber valve to optimize the combustion process. According to Wärtsilä, the result is a reduction in methane emissions to as low as 1.1% of fuel consumption on an IMO-weighted (E2-cycle) average.
Developed in collaboration with Chevron Shipping Company, the SG conversion solution is being implemented on LNG carriers, with one engine on six Chevron LNG vessels set to transition from dual-fuel (DF) to SG operation. This initiative aligns with Chevron’s broader goal of reducing the carbon intensity of its fleet.
Wärtsilä highlighted that the SG conversion is tailored for LNG as fuel, delivering improved energy output per unit of fuel. The technology promises up to 4.6% fuel savings along with substantial reductions in methane emissions.
Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine & Executive Vice President of Wärtsilä Corporation, emphasized that LNG’s role in cutting methane emissions represents one of the most effective methods for reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions from marine engines over the next decade, complementing broader CO2 reduction strategies. He added that this solution is a significant milestone as the shipping industry moves toward more sustainable operations.
Additionally, Wärtsilä has entered into an agreement with French shipping giant CMA CGM to equip its LNG-powered boxships with engines featuring the EnviroPac system, which is designed to slash methane emissions. The eight 9,200 TEU vessels will be outfitted with Wärtsilä 34DF engines, integrated with EnviroPac and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems.
In 2024, Wärtsilä also introduced its NextDF technology for the Wärtsilä 25DF LNG dual-fuel engine, further advancing efforts to minimize methane emissions.