To develop on the basis of the Wärtsilä 25 engine platform, Wärtsilä signed a letter of intent with Viridis Bulk Carriers to build the ammonia-based four-stroke multi-fuel engines
Wärtsilä’s Director of R&D and Engineering Juha Kytölä said that the new built engines will cut the greenhouse gases by more than 70 percent. Kytölä added that this would enable immediate compliance with EU 2050 requirements and IMO 2040 targets.
According to Kytölä, the engine will be capable of operating on LNG, biogas, bio-diesel and ammonia but it will still require pilot fuel for the ignition and combustion process. Kytölä shared that they are researching carbon free pilot fuel options and the engines are expected to be delivered in 2025. Kytölä, who also mentioned the price said that it will be attractive.
Viridis is expected to sign a contract for the new ammonia-fuelled engines early in 2024 for the new bulkers they plan on ordering to provide carbon-free shipping options in the European market.
Seatrade Maritime News
