Kuwait Oil Tanker Company S.A.K. (KOTC) was searching for a proven, low-risk way to improve engine efficiency and reduce fuel costs and emissions. Could Wärtsilä’s Fuel efficiency boost (FEB) be the answer?
KOTC is a major ship owner in the Middle East region and a key player in transporting crude oil, refined petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas. In 2019, as part of their long-term decarbonisation strategy, KOTC retrofitted the engines on four of their very large crude carriers (VLCCs) with Wärtsilä Fuel Activated Sacless Technology (FAST) and Intelligent Combustion Control (ICC) upgrades. After seeing measurable improvements in performance, KOTC further upgraded the same engines in 2024 with the Wärtsilä Fuel Efficiency Boost (FEB) solution. This modification promised to reduce fuel consumption and lessen the environmental impact of the vessels by lowering greenhouse gas emission levels.
There is currently a huge demand for decarbonisation solutions that help improve efficiency, meet compliance requirements and improve a vessel’s environmental footprint. Wärtsilä FEB is an easy-to-implement high-performance solution that answers this demand. The solution is based on two-stroke engine optimisation technology and has a short payback period.
Wärtsilä FEB improves combustion by increasing compression ratios and optimising the engine’s injector nozzles. It is suitable for selected Wärtsilä RT-flex and earlier deliveries of X-type two-stroke engines. The VLCCs operate with 7-cylinder Wärtsilä RT-flex82T two-stroke main engines, which made them ideal for the retrofit. Together with optimised engine tuning parameters the FEB solution promised fuel savings of up to 4%.
KOTC’s VLCCs have achieved significant fuel savings with the FEB upgrade – one vessel has measured a remarkable 6% fuel saving at 50% engine load. This performance exceeded expectations and provided an excellent return on investment. The optimised engine efficiency has also improved the environmental performance of the vessels by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring NOx levels remain within Tier II limits.
“The engine efficiency upgrade project with Wärtsilä marks another important milestone in our decarbonisation journey. Achieving 6% fuel savings at part load reflects both the strength of the technology and the value of long-term collaboration. It’s a significant step forward in improving vessel performance while supporting our environmental commitments.”
Emad Nasser, Manager Fleet Engineering and Newbuilding Projects, KOTC.
“Our journey with KOTC, starting from early solutions like FAST Nozzle and Intelligent Combustion Control (ICC) to the latest Fuel efficiency boost (FEB) retrofit, reflects a high level of collaboration and technical excellence. This project delivered real, measurable efficiency gains that align perfectly with KOTC’s operational and sustainability goals. It’s a great example of how we turn shared ambition into meaningful results.”
Riad Belaid, Marine Area Sales General Manager Middle East and Asia, 2-Stroke and Specialised Services, Wärtsilä.
Cut fuel costs and improve environmental performance with improved engine efficiency.
The Wärtsilä Fuel Efficiency Boost upgrade.
6% fuel savings at 50% engine load.
Read more about reducing fuel costs and emissions with the Wärtsilä Fuel efficiency boost solution
Image author: © KOTC
