Wärtsilä, a technology group, has successfully completed the conversion project of the engines of three LNG vessels managed by Chevron Transport Corporation from dual-fuel (DF) to spark-ignited gas (SG). This conversion aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the vessels, particularly methane, which can escape into the atmosphere.
Details of the Engine Conversion Project
This project involves technical collaboration in the maritime sector focused on reducing methane emissions from LNG-fueled vessels. The Wärtsilä 50DF engine conversion to spark-ignited gas modifies existing engines to operate using spark ignition instead of diesel fuel to initiate combustion. This process optimizes combustion and consequently reduces the amount of methane emitted from the engine while increasing its efficiency.
Following the successful conversion of these three vessels, three more vessels are scheduled for conversion, expected to be completed this year and next year. Thus, the total number of converted vessels will reach six.
Environmental Impacts and Industrial Collaborations
This project is recognized as a prime example of inter-industry collaboration aimed at advancing low-emission shipping. Barbara Pickering, President of Chevron Shipping, stated: "Advancements in low-emission shipping require technological innovation and industrial collaboration. Projects like this one help us gain valuable operational insights and evaluate solutions that contribute to the advancement of the industry."
The conversion to spark-ignited gas for the Wärtsilä 50DF engine minimizes methane emissions by introducing an electrically controlled valve in the pre-combustion chamber. It is estimated that this conversion, based on the IMO weighted average (E2-cycle), will reduce methane emissions to 1.1 percent of fuel consumption. This solution is accessible for existing vessels in the industry that use Wärtsilä 50DF engines for diesel-electric power.
Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine and Executive Vice President of Wärtsilä Corporation, also emphasized the importance of technology development and inter-industry collaborations in advancing low-emission solutions, stating: "This achievement highlights the significance of technology development and collaboration among industries in advancing low-emission solutions for shipping."
With three decades of experience in LNG technology, Wärtsilä offers strong performance in both the dual-fuel flexibility of DF engines and the single-fuel spark-ignited engines.
