Raízen and Wärtsilä Partner to Fast-Track Ethanol Use in Maritime Industry

Wärtsilä and Raízen have entered into a comprehensive agreement centered on decarbonization modelling, with a specific focus on both newbuilding and upgrade plans. The primary objective is to establish and implement a fleetwide decarbonization strategy, with a keen interest in exploring ethanol as a viable marine fuel. This collaborative initiative seeks to scrutinize the impact of ethanol as a marine fuel, aiming to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and present sustainable fuel alternatives to customers in the maritime sector.

Paulo Neves, the Vice President of Trading at Raízen, expressed the company's commitment to supporting the global decarbonization efforts within the maritime sector through collaboration with Wärtsilä. Ethanol emerges as a promising contributor to a portfolio of low-carbon solutions, aligning with the shared goal of fostering sustainability in the marine industry.

As part of this collaboration, Wärtsilä and Raízen plan to conduct extensive technology tests using ethanol as the primary fuel in Wärtsilä Sustainable Fuels engine laboratories. This testing phase is integral to understanding the practical implications and performance characteristics of ethanol as a marine fuel. Additionally, the partnership extends to collaborating with ship designers and shipowners to ensure seamless integration, as well as navigating the regulatory and compliance landscape associated with the use of cellulosic ethanol as a fuel source.

Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply at Wärtsilä Marine Power, underscored the significance of this agreement with Raízen, emphasizing that it exemplifies the ongoing commitment to facilitating the transition toward a decarbonized future. The collaboration reflects Wärtsilä's proactive approach to identifying and enabling solutions that contribute to reducing carbon emissions in the maritime sector.

The exploration of ethanol as a marine fuel aligns with the broader industry shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. The partnership between Wärtsilä, a leading provider of advanced technologies for the marine and energy markets, and Raízen, a key player in the energy sector, signifies a strategic alliance aimed at driving positive change in the maritime industry's environmental impact.

The joint efforts in decarbonization modelling, technology testing, and compliance navigation exemplify a holistic approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with transitioning to sustainable fuels in the maritime sector. As the maritime industry endeavors to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations, partnerships like the one between Wärtsilä and Raízen play a pivotal role in paving the way for innovative and practical solutions.

This collaborative endeavor is not only about studying the viability of ethanol but also about actively contributing to the global efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of maritime operations. The commitment to understanding the intricacies of ethanol as a marine fuel through rigorous testing and compliance assessments reflects a dedication to ensuring that sustainable alternatives meet the operational and regulatory standards of the maritime industry.