The future is not electric or hydrogen: This fuel comes from the Arctic, and the first engine has been unveiled
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
The Finnish technology company Wärtsilä made a significant leap toward decarbonizing shipping by unveiling the first commercially available 4-stroke engine-based ammonia fuel. This new development is a remarkable improvement in the green shipping division aiming to meet the innovation of environmentally friendly fuel demanded by the shipowners.
This ammonia-burning engine results from the company’s dedication to innovation and environmentalism, offering an exciting new prospect in marine fuel with considerably less greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fuel sources.
How Wärtsilä’s ammonia engine reduces emissions by up to 70% from day one
Wärtsilä’s ammonia engine can effectively decrease the emissions of greenhouse gases by 70 per cent or more within the first day. The body of Wärtsilä’s newly launched solution encompasses three key aspects: respectively, through the principles of sustainability, safety, and innovation. First, it is essential to understand that the solution is highly sustainable.
Wärtsilä’s ammonia engine can instantly achieve greenhouse emission cuts of over 70 per cent on a well-to-wake basis compared to a similar diesel engine, consistent with the EU’s emission goals up to 2050 and over IMO’s goals for 2040. Such a significant decrease in emissions is indispensable to contribute to the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
Furthermore, ammonia, a carbon-free fuel, is an excellent example of how Wärtsilä is trying to develop other fuels to address the shipping industry’s challenges. Ammonia used in the Wärtsilä 25 engine platform is a sign of a better future for the maritime sector, and it speaks volumes about Wärtsilä and sustainability through innovations.
The innovative safety features integrated into Wärtsilä’s ammonia engine system
Wärtsilä has also integrated a high-tech automation system and a maintenance contract. The non-toxic feature of ammonia is another primary concern that Wärtsilä has emphasized in developing its solution. Some of the precautions in the new engine platform are as follows to enhance safety in using ammonia on a ship.
In conjunction with the combustion process, it has a fuel gas supply system known as AmmoniaPac fueled by ammonia, a post-combustion emission control system called the Wärtsilä Ammonia Release Mitigation System (WARMS), and finally, a NOx reduction system known as the Wärtsilä NOx Reducer (NOR) to ensure that the exhaust after-treatment is effective.
These systems are to minimize the dangers of ammonia, a fuel that is environmentally friendly but toxic and corrosive in its handling. A comprehensive automation system and a maintenance agreement exist for safe and efficient on-board activities.
It has also provided crew training and dedicated 24/7 worldwide support to ensure that the transition to ammonia as a new fuel is seamless and safe, as it emphasizes the importance of safety and efficiency in operations toward the realization of the maritime industry’s goal and vision.
Wärtsilä’s ongoing commitment to advancing ammonia engine technology for the future
It is important to note that Wärtsilä is not ceasing to introduce this engine; the company is determined to continue doing so. Innovation has been identified through the Wärtsilä ammonia engine solution in which Wärtsilä redesigns the Wärtsilä 25 engine for suitable operation with sustainable fuels, hence emphasizing Wärtsilä’s support for the future of marine power.
Initially designed for diesel, LNG, and carbon-neutral binarized, this engine platform will now encompass ammonia, making it a new-generation engine solution that is both powerful and green. This ammonia solution results from extensive knowledge Wärtsilä has with supplying LNG systems, guaranteeing that the developed system will be of high performance and durability.
Besides, Wärtsilä does not cease to introduce this engine; instead, the firm is actively working on other future ammonia engines and technologies. This continuous improvement will also aid the industry’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years, ensuring Wärtsilä remains a crucial player in the journey towards a decarbonized maritime sector.
Why Wärtsilä’s ammonia engine is a groundbreaking step towards a greener shipping industry
Consequently, Wärtsilä’s development of the first 4-stroke engine-based ammonia fuel solution is a groundbreaking move toward more sustainable shipping. Wärtsilä has taken the most strategic areas that define the maritime industry’s future with regard to fuels, namely sustainability, safety, and innovation.
The new ammonia engine complies with today’s and future emissions requirements while offering a solution for environmentally friendly and safe marine fuel. While the industry remains looking for the best way to reduce emissions, the inventive ammonia-burning system from Wärtsilä marks the progress.
The marked progress could be made shortly and paints the picture of a more sustainable and decarbonized shipping sector. Given that innovations are continuously being worked on, Wärtsilä is well-placed to chart a course for the maritime industry’s further efforts in attaining net-zero emissions.
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Who knows, what with leapfrogging technologies this could be ready in a score of years and the inane phrase "drill baby drill" will never be heard again.
Who knows, what with leapfrogging technologies this could be ready in a score of years and the inane phrase "drill baby drill" will never be heard again.
Stock symbol is WRTBY. Last trade $3.97/share.
Its on my "Watch List". If this becomes a good investment investors could make a lot of money, but at this point its too speculative for me.
None of the Stock Market people I follow owns it or have (to the best of my knowledge) even mentioned it.
This is interesting but I don't think it will be used for general auto use as it's highly corrosive. It looks like it's being developed for shipping use.
sounds perfect for cruising around on venus...
Stock symbol is WRTBY. Last trade $3.97/share.
Its on my "Watch List". If this becomes a good investment investors could make a lot of money, but at this point its too speculative for me.
None of the Stock Market people I follow owns it or have (to the best of my knowledge) even mentioned it.
Here's the company website ("investors page" but there's other info on their site)
The University of Minnesota is working on an ammonia fuel too.
I'm not surprised.
Generally when there's even a possibility of a new technology becoming practical, both the public as well as the private sector become involved.
Everything you've always wanted to know about ammonia. See section under "Fuels"
Ammonia - Wikipedia