Wärtsilä, a Finnish technology group, has taken another step towards decarbonizing the maritime industry by introducing four new methanol engines. These engines, namely Wärtsilä 20, Wärtsilä 31, Wärtsilä 46F, and Wärtsilä 46TS, can operate using methanol fuel. This addition to their portfolio of engines comes after the successful launch of the Wärtsilä 32 methanol engine last year.

Methanol is a popular alternative fuel choice for the shipping industry to achieve its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. ‘Green’ methanol, produced using renewable energy sources and carbon capture technology, is a sustainable and carbon-neutral option. It is also easy to integrate into existing shipping operations, as it can be stored and transported using the same infrastructure as conventional liquid fuels.

Wärtsilä, a leading diesel engine manufacturer, is developing methanol retrofit capabilities for its entire engine portfolio, including new and existing engines. Methanol upgrades are already available or under development for the Wärtsilä 31, Wärtsilä 32, Wärtsilä 46F, Wärtsilä 46TS, and Wärtsilä ZA40S engines. Additionally, the Wärtsilä 20 engine family can be ordered with methanol combustion capabilities. By offering methanol fuel options for a wide range of vessel types across the marine industry, Wärtsilä is expanding its methanol offering.

“Decarbonisation is front and centre to our strategy going forward, and the development of engines capable of running on future fuels is crucial to that. Wärtsilä takes an innovative approach to supporting the marine industry’s transformation to more sustainable operations, and this broad range of methanol engines emphasises this,” says Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä’s Marine Power business.

“Wärtsilä is backing its extensive experience with strong investments in developing new fuel-flexible technologies and products. We recognise that it is vital for ship owners to have maximum flexibility and to keep options open as the industry navigates the uncertain pathway to net zero, and we are working hard to deliver this operational flexibility. Our track record is already very solid, and this expanded engine portfolio adds to both our accomplishments and our long-term commitment to the maritime industry,” says Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply, Wärtsilä Marine Power.

The four new methanol engines will be available for deliveries at different points from 2025 onwards.