The tech crew over at Wartsila made a big move. They dropped what they’re calling the world’s first four-stroke shipping engine that runs on hydrogen-derived ammonia as fuel. It’s pretty groundbreaking stuff! This launch means shipbuilders and owners can now order one of these ammonia-fired engines and get it delivered in a jiffy, like, on a “standard lead time,” according to the Finnish company.
An innovative new engine
Wartsila’s got this new engine called the “Wartsila 25 ammonia,” and you can snag one starting from Q1 2024. They’re saying it can slash emissions by up to 70% compared to diesel when you fuel it up with “sustainable ammonia” and a biofuel-based pilot fuel to fire it up. Pretty cool, huh?
So, here’s the deal: The big shots at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are saying that by 2040, the shipping biz has to cut emissions by a whopping 70% from what they were back in 2008. That’s a tall order!
Now, this engine’s a dual fuel deal, which means ships decked out with this tech can still run on good ol’ diesel. But here’s the kicker: Will this engine really deliver on that 70% emissions cut Wartsila’s talking about? It’s got folks wondering.
Plus, according to the IMO, they’re only asking for a 20% emissions drop by 2030. So, ship operators might still lean on diesel, especially if sustainable ammonia (made with either blue or green hydrogen) is too pricey or tough to come by.
And get this—the Wartsila model isn’t the only ammonia engine cooking in the lab. There are others in the works, too. Looks like we’re in for some interesting times in the shipping world!
Last month, Exmar, a big player in the shipping game, gave the thumbs up for two ammonia-powered engines made by WinGD from Switzerland. They’re gonna put these engines onto some ocean-going vessels they’ve got on order. They are also aiming to have the world’s first ammonia-powered ships cruising the waves by 2026. Talk about cutting-edge!
Amazing things happening at MAN
Meanwhile, over at MAN, they’re cooking up a two-stroke ammonia engine for ships. They’re hoping to roll it out in early 2024.
Now, you might be wondering why we’re talking about four-stroke engines. Well, they’re usually used in smaller boats ’cause they’re more compact, but they do weigh a bit more than those two-stroke engines you see on the big boys.
And here’s the scoop: MAN’s focusing on those smaller vessels that need power between 1.7-2.8MW per engine. That’s where they’re aiming to make a splash.
And guess who’s lining up to be the first to hop on board with Wartsila’s engine? Viridis Bulk Carriers, a Norwegian outfit specializing in “short sea” shipping. They’re so keen on it they even signed a letter of intent earlier this month. Looks like they’re ready to ride the wave of the future!
Short sea vessels are those that usually travel shorter distances, unlike those big oceangoing ships that journey across continents.
Now, when it comes to engines, two-stroke ones are the lighter option. They pack more power for their weight, which makes them perfect for those massive cargo ships.
Ammonia engines for ships
In April 2022, Wartsila teamed up with others in a group that got a cool €10m from the EU’s Horizon research fund. Their mission? To cook up ammonia engines for ships, including the two-stroke kind. This project funded demos in labs for both the four-stroke and two-stroke versions of the ammonia engine. And get this—Wärtsilä plans to slap that two-stroke engine onto a ship by 2025.
And they’re not stopping there. According to a spokesperson for the company, while the Wartsila 25 is the first engine from them to run on ammonia, they’ve got their eyes set on more engines in the future. They’re all about keeping the engine of innovation running and finding ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions even more down the road.