Wärtsilä has achieved a significant milestone in the realm of sustainable shipping operations by unveiling its first commercially available 4-stroke ammonia-fueled engine-based solution. With the goal of securing the first contract for the engine by the beginning of the year 2024, this breakthrough is anchored in the Wärtsilä 25 engine platform.

Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä’s Marine Power business, emphasized the foundation of the ammonia solution in Wärtsilä's well-established LNG system, thereby leveraging invaluable experience. The Wärtsilä 25 engine, introduced in September 2022, stands as a medium-speed, modular 4-stroke marine engine. The company accentuated its upgradeable modular structure and high-power output per cylinder. The engine's design was meticulously optimized for operation at both constant and variable speed and is available in diesel, dual-fuel LNG, and now in dual-fuel ammonia.

In addition to the engine, the comprehensive solution encompasses an AmmoniaPac fuel gas supply system, the Wärtsilä Ammonia Release Mitigation System, and the Wärtsilä NOx Reducer (NOR) for optimal exhaust after-treatment. Safety and efficiency take center stage in the solution design, complemented by an automation system designed to maximize results. The newly introduced Wärtsilä 25 Ammonia solution is positioned to immediately reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 70%, in comparison to a similar-sized diesel solution. This aligns with current EU targets until 2050 and surpasses the IMO target for 2040.

Viridis Bulk Carriers is slated to become the pioneering shipowner adopting the new ammonia solution. Viridis, a collaboration between Amon Maritime, Mosvolds Rederi, and Navigare Logistics, has dedicated the past few years to developing short-sea vessels operating on ammonia in the North Sea. Recognizing their efforts, the Norwegian government, through its Enova initiative, awarded the group a grant in September to aid in financing the construction of two ammonia-powered bulk carriers, scheduled for deployment in 2025. Earlier this month, Wärtsilä and Viridis Bulk Carriers formalized their commitment through the signing of a Letter of Intent for the Wärtsilä 25 ammonia engine solution, with the objective of a commercial contract signing in early 2024.

Wärtsilä commenced the world's first full-scale ammonia engine test in 2020, marking the initiation of groundbreaking efforts. The Ammonia Release Mitigation Systems (WARMS) achieved Approval in Principle from the classification society DNV in June 2023, solidifying its role as another pivotal element in the comprehensive ammonia engine solution. The steadfast advancements made by Wärtsilä underscore the company's commitment to propelling the maritime industry towards sustainable and innovative solutions.